Access to Surgical Treatment for Breast Cancer in the Philippines

Authors

Luis Miguel B. Co`, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
Edward Christopher Dee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Michelle Ann B. Eala, University of the Philippines Manila
Samuel D. Ang, Department of Surgery, Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center
Christian Daniel U. Ang, Department of Surgical Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

Female breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide; however, while high-income countries have the highest incidence rates, lower-middle income countries have the highest mortality rates. In this article, we describe the landscape of disparities in access to surgical care for patients with breast cancer in the Philippines, a lower-middle income country in Southeast Asia. We describe the payment landscape that allows access to care for patients with non-metastatic disease, and draw attention to the fact that despite some degree of insurance for most Filipinos, great barriers to access remain in the form of a low number of surgical providers, geographic disparities, and persistent socioeconomic barriers. Lastly, we suggest steps forward to improve equity in access to surgical care for Filipino patients with breast cancer.

Recommended Citation

Co, L.M.B., Dee, E.C., Eala, M.A.B., Ang, S.D., Ang, C.D.U. (2022). Access to Surgical Treatment for Breast Cancer in the Philippines. Annals of Surgical Oncology 29, 6729-6730. https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-022-12311-8