On Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PhilHealth says many cases still diagnosed late

Despite celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month annually, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said that many cases are still diagnosed late, brought on by the low screening rates in the country.

In a statement released on Oct. 22, PhilHealth revealed that over 65% of breast cancer cases are only diagnosed in its advanced stage, making the survival rate lower for many ones affected by the disease.

With the country remaining as one of those with highest breast cancer mortality rates in Asia, PhilHealth urged Filipino women to get screened for early detection to prevent further complications.

“According to a 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), only 1% of Filipino women were screened for cancer, translating to only 540,000 women out of an estimated 54 million getting screened,” the agency stated.

Ways forward
Acknowledging that financial constraints may have contributed to the low screening rates, PhilHealth introduced different programs that would help ease the burden of breast cancer patients in the country.

“By providing extensive financial protection from initial diagnostic tests to complex targeted therapy, PhilHealth aims to remove the cost as a barrier and encourage patients to seek care early, improving outcomes for a disease that is curable when detected in its initial stages,” the agency stated.

PhilHealth presented the “enhanced” PhilHealth Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer which has higher budget allocation now.

From the allocated P100,000 before, the package has increased by 1300%, now at P1.4 million. The benefit will cover patients with breast cancer across Stages 0 to 4.

Another program named PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) will also be reinforced to cover outpatient breast cancer screening tests.

PhilHealth President Erwin Mercado said that through the said projects, they are making health services more accessible to the people, hence strengthening early detection promotion efforts.

“Hinihikayat ko ang bawat babae na huwag ipagpaliban ang inyong kalusugan. Magpa-check-up, follow-up, at sundan ang tamang gamutan. Ito ang karapatan ninyo, at narito kami para suportahan kayo,” Mercado added.

In November 2024, the Department of Health recorded a total of 33,079 breast cancer cases, making the disease the most prevalent cancer in the country.