Healing Hands Across Borders: Star 2 for Cancer

The Ilocos Sur Medical Society, under President Dr. Glenda Rabino, and with the support of the Philippine Medical Association of San Diego, has begun its province-wide initiative to provide cancer screening, surgery, adjunct therapies, and rehabilitation and education of underserved, indigent populations. 

Perhaps no spectrum of disease causes more fear than cancer, which continues to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide, second only to heart disease. While medical therapies continue to advance, prevention and early detection have the greatest impact on improving survival.

In developed countries, like the US, there are important systems in place that allow for screening -> diagnosis -> treatment. This is supported by a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, widespread insurance coverage, and standardized national guidelines that actively promote and track screening. Systems in place ensure that abnormal results are followed by timely diagnostic workup and treatment. As a result, many cancers in the US are detected at earlier stages, when they are more treatable and survival rates are significantly higher. 

In contrast, screening in the Philippines remains far less consistent and much less accessible. Only a small proportion of the eligible population undergoes routine cancer screening. Screening facilities are limited, out of pocket costs are high, public awareness of preventative care is low, and healthcare infrastructure has large gaps. Systems to ensure follow up after abnormal results are also not always reliable. This all results in patients presenting with otherwise potentially preventable or treatable cancers at advanced stages, when treatment is limited or no longer possible. 

The Philippine Medical Association of San Diego has recognized this disparity and is supporting the Ilocos Sur Medical Society on its initiative: Healing Hands Across Borders Star 2 for Cancer, a province wide Cancer Screening, Surgical Intervention, and Continuing of Care for Indigent patients in Ilocos Sur who suffer from poor access to care. This project aims to provide early detection, treatment, recovery, and long term support for this disadvantaged population.