REACH OUT: Cancer support groups in the Philippines

MANILA— In the Philippines, the statistics surrounding cancer are as alarming as they are urgent. 

The country currently holds the highest incidence rate of the disease in Southeast Asia, with one in every 13 Filipino women expected to develop it in her lifetime. 

Perhaps more tragic is the "late-stage reality": nearly 65% of patients are diagnosed only when the cancer has already progressed, often due to the prohibitive costs of treatment and a lack of accessible screening.

While government resources remain stretched, a dedicated network of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has interfered into the rift.

These organizations provide more than just medical assistance; they offer a lifeline of advocacy, education, and community for those facing challenging times.

Here is a guide to the key organizations providing vital support for cancer patients and their families across the Philippines. 

1. ICanServe Foundation, Inc.

ICanServe is perhaps best known for its "Icons of Hope" campaign, which put a face to the struggle through first-person storytelling. Their primary mission is to ease the fear surrounding diagnosis by empowering women through awareness and prevention. Equipping them with the knowledge of their health and well-being through women who have survived it. 

Through their flagship program, Ating Dibdibin ("Take Your Breast Care to Heart"), they implement community-based screening programs that teach early detection techniques to women who might otherwise postpone a doctor's visit for all the other reasons. 

Contact Details: 

Phone: +632 5310 5698

Email: info@icanservefoundation.org

Website: icanservefoundation.org

Address: Unit 22E Strata 100, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

2. Philippine Cancer Society (PCS)

Established in 1956, the PCS stands as a pillar of oncologic support in the Philippines. Governed by a board of distinguished medical professionals and volunteers, the society focuses on diminishing death rates through an "ACT NOW" strategy.

Their ACT NOW A.C.T.I.V.E. campaign aligns with national health laws to accelerate treatment not just for breast cancer, but also for cervical cancer through immunization and vaccine education. They serve as a vital link for disadvantaged Filipinos to access diagnosis and treatment networks.

Contact Details:

Phone: +63 2 8734 2126 | +63 917 576 2909

Website: philcancer.org.ph

Address: 310 San Rafael St., San Miguel, Manila

3. Philippine Breast Cancer Network (PBCN)

The PBCN takes a unique and bold stance by looking beyond genetics. With only 5% to 10% of cases linked to heredity, the PBCN focuses on the environmental triggers—toxic chemicals and radiation—that contribute to the rising epidemic.

They advocate for the "primary prevention" of cancer by identifying and eliminating environmental causes. They serve as a vocal volunteer network that compels policy changes and provides public education on how to avoid known carcinogens. They operate through the collective effort and spirit of volunteerism, hence, their openness to train volunteers in their programs. 

Contact Details:

Mobile: 0917 676 0578 (Globe) | 0920 909 9212 (Smart)

Community: PBCN Facebook Group

Website: pbcn.org

4. Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. (Kasuso Foundation)

Commonly known as "Kasuso," this foundation is a dedicated volunteer-based organization that focuses on the "big sister" approach—providing emotional and practical support to patients, particularly those seeking treatment at public hospitals like the Philippine General Hospital.

They provide a support system for "indigent" patients, helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and providing a community of "Kasusos" (breast friends) to lean on.

Contact Details:

Mobile: 0917 183 1048

Social Media: Kasuso Facebook Page

5. Shades of Pink Philippine Foundation Inc.

Shades of Pink operates as a focused advocacy group that emphasizes the power of community and peer-to-peer support. By connecting patients with survivors, they ensure that no woman has to walk the path of treatment alone.

They provide localized assistance and awareness campaigns that bridge the gap between diagnosis and the start of treatment.  Reducing the anxiety of patient bound to the treatment journey. 

Contact Details:

Social Media: Shades of Pink Facebook Group 

In an interview, Kara Magsanoc Alikpala, an executive of ICANSERVE says that medication for cancer patients is prohibitive enough to discourage them from undergoing and completing the treatment journey. This is when  organizations, such as theirs, link the gap between the fear of the financial and emotional burdens of the disease.

Dr. Herdee Luna of Philippine Cancer Society added that government efforts are vital, the collective holistic approach and intact support system for cancer patients and their families is integral to the community. Collaborators and partners from different sectors that will amplify the cause of their organization are more than just a testament of hope but an imperative ingredient to the healing process. 

Here are some additional websites/links that help cancer patients to navigate the process of medication from early detection guides and access medical assistance.

Hope From Within

Serves as a one-stop navigator multi-tasker campaign to provide a ‘simplified’ version of the overwhelming process to get medicated. They provided Cancer Provider Map to help patient locates the most accessible hospitals and services available.

Cancer Coalition Philippines 

A legal support coalition that educates the patient and the family with the law, rights and entitlement to access to health care.

The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care

A support group that focuses of the improvement of the quality of life despite having cancer. It specializes in nursing and hospice care. Their services includes the providence of resources for the cancer patient families the necessary know-how to take care to a cancer patient member.

Khythe Foundation

Pediatric cancer support and educational awareness for children cancer patients.

Phihealth Z-Package 

A primer for the  financial coverage of the government in a specific treatment.