Philippine College of Surgeons
Cancer Commission Foundation
Championing Integrated Quality Cancer Care
Embedded Files
Philippine National Cancer Summit 2026 Launches Unified "National Cancer Grid" to Tackle 300 Daily Deaths
MANILA, Philippines — Leaders from the medical, government, and civil society sectors have united at the Philippine National Cancer Summit (PNCS) 2026 to launch a transformative movement: the Philippine National Cancer Grid. The initiative aims to transition the country from "pockets of excellence" to a unified, person-centered healthcare system.
The urgency is fueled by a staggering reality from the Globocan report: cancer is now the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, claiming more than 300 lives every day.
"Fragmentation is our biggest challenge," said Dr. Catherine SC Teh, Chair of the PCS Cancer Commission. "We have skilled clinicians, but the burden of integrating care is currently placed on the sick patient rather than the system. Every year, 1.5 million families are pushed into poverty by health expenses. This must change."
The National Cancer Grid serves as a flagship framework to standardize care across regions, integrate data silos, and ensure that no Filipino is left behind. Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa set a bold national target for the initiative: "Our goal is increasing screening, diagnosis, and treatment by 50% by 2028."
The summit emphasized that cancer is a "governance and social equity issue," according to DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon, requiring action beyond hospital walls. Dr. Ravi Kannan, 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, noted that true success requires constant investment in the community, while PhilHealth, represented by Dr. Alfred Philip De Dios, reaffirmed its commitment to covering the full spectrum of care.
The PNCS 2026 calls on all sectors—government, private partners, and every Filipino—to move beyond awareness and into action. By scaling person-centered care through the National Cancer Grid, the Philippines is finally building a system that puts the human being at the heart of the cure.
A Genomic Revolution in Philippine Cancer Care: A Multisectoral Leap Forward
The Philippine healthcare landscape reached a transformative turning point on February 21, 2026, with the successful conclusion of the Cancer Genetics Workshop on Germline Genetic Testing. As a vital post-workshop feature of the Philippine National Cancer Summit, this landmark event represents a powerful multisectoral collaboration between the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Cancer Commission Foundation and the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS).
This initiative marks the first time a workshop of this caliber, specifically focused on Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome, has been conducted in the country. It serves as a clarion call for the entire multidisciplinary cancer care community—oncologists, surgeons, nurses, genetic counselors, and policymakers—to unite in integrating genomic intelligence into the standard of care for every Filipino.
Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation (PCS CANCOM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Filipinos on their cancer journeys and fostering a path toward better quality of life and survivorship. Since 2019, we have been bridging gaps in cancer care across the Philippines through training, partnerships, research, and patient empowerment.
We are an active partner in implementing the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA Law, RA 11215), helping ensure that every Filipino has access to equitable, person-centered, and quality cancer care.
The Challenge We Face
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Philippines. Yet access to timely diagnosis, quality treatment, and coordinated support remains uneven.
We believe every Filipino deserves equitable, person-centered, and quality cancer care.
How We Make a Difference
We focus on solutions that change lives:
Capacity Building – Training health professionals and institutions nationwide.
Patient & Community Empowerment – Creating resources for families and frontline health workers.
Research & Innovation – Generating local evidence to shape better cancer policies.
Partnerships & Advocacy – Building a united movement for stronger cancer care systems.
Catherine SC Teh, MD
Chairperson
Message from the Chairperson
Cancer care in the Philippines cannot be defined by isolated moments of clinical intervention alone — it is a continuum of human experience marked by hope, struggle, partnership, and relentless pursuit of better outcomes for every Filipino. This truth has guided me long before formal roles, laws, or titles — from grassroots advocacy to shaping system-wide solutions that touch lives across our nation.
The Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation stands for a profound conviction: that every Filipino — regardless of income, geography, or circumstance — deserves equitable, person-centered, high-quality cancer care. Our Vision to build a stronger Philippines with improved survivorship and outcomes, and our Mission to advance quality cancer care through integrated multisectoral, multidisciplinary, and multistakeholder action, are more than statements — they are commitments we relentlessly fulfill through programs, partnerships, and policies.
From capacity building and strengthening tumor boards nationwide, to patient and community empowerment, research and innovation, and strategic advocacy, PCS CanCom brings practical solutions to real challenges. Our work is grounded in collaboration — across clinical disciplines, public health leadership, government, industry, academe, and community partners — because no single sector can solve the cancer burden alone.
Sustainability for us means looking beyond today. It means forging enduring partnerships with all sectors — from government agencies like the Department of Health and academic institutions, to industry allies, civil society, and enterprises — to ensure that cancer care is built on systems that endure, improve, and expand with time. These partnerships allow us to invest not just in treatment, but in prevention, early detection, coordinated care pathways, policy implementation, data-driven decision making, and community resilience — from barangays to national platforms.
Aligned with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) and national priorities, PCS CanCom remains a steadfast partner in bridging policy with practice, translating evidence into action, and catalyzing innovations that elevate care standards. Our annual initiatives — including the Philippine National Cancer Summit and multidisciplinary workshops — are expressions of this mission, fostering shared learning, co-creation, and unified commitment across stakeholders.
This Commission is about stewardship, courage to act collaboratively, and dedication to outcomes that matter most: lives saved, families supported, communities empowered, and systems sustained. We do this with humility, integrity, and vision — believing that what we build together will outlast any single term or mandate.
We invite you to walk with us — as partners, as advocates, and as co-creators of a future where cancer care in the Philippines is equitable, excellent, and enduring.
Highlights
Your Health is Your Greatest Wealth: World No Tobacco Day (May 31)
Prevention is the first step in Quality Cancer Care. This World No Tobacco Day, the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation reminds every Filipino that the power to reduce cancer risk is in your hands. Tobacco doesn't just affect the lungs; it impacts the entire person and every member of the family.
Why we advocate for a Tobacco-Free PH:
Lower Risk: Tobacco use is linked to over a dozen types of cancer.
Better Outcomes: For those already in the fight, quitting improves the body's ability to heal and respond to treatment.
Community Health: Protecting our loved ones from secondhand smoke is a cornerstone of person-centered care.
Choosing a tobacco-free life is an act of love—for yourself and for those who depend on you. Today is the perfect day to start a healthier chapter.
National Cancer Survivors Day (June 7)
Celebrating the Masterpieces of Resilience: National Cancer Survivors Day
At the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, we stand in awe and celebration of our nation's greatest heroes: our cancer survivors.
A cancer survivor's journey does not end when treatment stops; survivorship is a lifelong chapter. In our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care, we believe that true victory isn't just about surviving—it is about thriving. It is about ensuring that life after a diagnosis is filled with quality, dignity, and joy.
What We Advocate for Every Survivor
Holistic Survivorship Care: Moving beyond clinical check-ups to support the emotional, psychological, and physical long-term needs of the individual.
Financial and Social Reintegration: Pushing for a society where a history of cancer never stands in the way of a career, a dream, or financial security.
A Network of Hope: Building a community where survivors can raise their voices, share their triumphs, and guide those who are newly diagnosed.
To the brave men, women, and children who have faced the storm and come out stronger, and to the families and healthcare professionals who walked every step beside them: Your lives are the living proof of why we fight for health equity every day.
You are not just statistics; you are the heartbeat of our mission. Thank you for showing us what it means to persevere.
Join the Community: Are you a survivor, or is there a survivor who inspires you daily? We invite you to share your stories of triumph and hope with us as we celebrate life and resilience. Share Your Story at https://www.facebook.com/PCSCanCom/
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Break the Silence, Save a Life: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among Filipino men, yet it is often left undiscussed due to hesitation, fear, or stigma.
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation wants to remind every Tatay, Papa, Tito, and brother: Talking about prostate health isn’t a sign of weakness—it is an act of strength and love for your family.
In our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care, we fight for a healthcare system where men feel empowered to seek help early, without fear of judgment, cost, or lack of access. When detected early, prostate cancer is highly manageable.
What Every Filipino Man Needs to Know
Know the Risks: Risk increases as men age, especially for those over 50 or those with a family history of cancer.
Spot the Signs: Persistent changes in urination, difficulty starting or stopping, or lower back pain should never be ignored.
Early Consultation: Discussing a simple Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal exam (DRE) with your doctor can make all the difference.
Quality care means seeing the man behind the medical chart—understanding his fears, protecting his dignity, and navigating him safely from screening to survivorship.
How to Take Action This Month
Consult Your Doctor: If you are 50 or older, ask your physician about prostate screenings.
Encourage the Men You Love: Wives, daughters, and sons—let’s remind the men in our lives that their health matters.
Spread the Message: Talk openly about prostate health to help break the stigma and start lifesaving conversations.
Let’s bridge the gaps in men's health and work toward a healthier, cancer-free future for every Filipino.
Philippine Independence Day (June 12)
Freedom from Fear, Independence in Health: Celebrating Philippine Independence Day
As we honor the courage and sacrifices of the heroes who fought for our nation's liberty, the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation reflects on a different kind of freedom we must fight for today: the freedom of every Filipino to live a long, healthy life, free from the heavy burden of cancer.
In our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care, we believe true independence means a healthcare system where no Filipino is trapped by the fear of a diagnosis, the worry of financial ruin, or a lack of access to life-saving treatments.
What True Health Independence Means to Us
Freedom of Access: Ensuring that quality cancer care reaches every corner of the archipelago, from bustling cities to the most remote islands.
Financial Liberty: Pushing for the full realization of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) so that a diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of a family's financial security.
Empowered Communities: Freeing our people from the stigma of cancer through education, making early detection and prevention a routine part of life.
Our healthcare heroes, patient-warriors, and advocates are modern-day revolutionaries, working hand-in-hand to break down the barriers to health equity. Today, let us celebrate our rich heritage by committing to a future where every single Filipina and Filipino has the opportunity to fight, survive, and thrive.
Mabuhay ang malayang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang bansang malusog!
Collaborate. Innovate. Cure: Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board on Esophagus & Gastric Cancer
The fight against esophagus and gastric cancer requires more than just expert knowledge—it demands a unified, multidisciplinary approach.
The Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation, together with the Surgical Oncology Society of the Philippines (SOSP) and our esteemed partner organizations, invites all healthcare professionals to our upcoming Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (vMTB).
In this collaborative session, panel experts will dive deep into complex cases, sharing clinical insights and innovations to ensure that every upper gastrointestinal cancer patient receives person-centered, high-quality care. This event serves as a platform for surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and allied healthcare providers to bridge the gaps in cancer care, one discussion at a time.
Event Details
Topic: Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board on Esophagus & Gastric Cancer
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (PST)
Venue: Virtual Platform (Exclusive access for healthcare providers)
How to Participate
Registration is required to secure your slot and access the virtual meeting link. Healthcare professionals may register directly through the portal below or by scanning the QR code provided on the official event poster.
Register for the vMTB Event
For inquiries regarding case presentations or technical support, please contact the PCS Cancer Commission Secretariat.
Words From the Expert: Elevating Care for Esophagus and Gastric Cancer
"To the vanguard of Filipino surgery, let us elevate our standard of care through evidence-based precision, harmonizing science, skill, and collaboration, and adapting global guidelines to resource-stratified Philippine settings, turning the complexities of upper gastrointestinal malignancies into triumphs of survival for every Filipino." — Dr. Gemma Leonora B. Uy, President, Surgical Oncology Society of the Philippines (SOSP)
At the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation, we echo this profound call to action for Esophagus and Gastric Cancer awareness.
In our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care, we recognize that managing upper gastrointestinal malignancies requires a strategic balance of cutting-edge science and local reality. Elevating the standard of care means ensuring that every Filipino patient—regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographical location—receives treatment that is both world-class and accessible.
Turning Complexities into Triumphs
To achieve this vision, our clinical and advocacy efforts focus on three critical pillars:
Evidence-Based Precision: Harmonizing surgical skill with the latest scientific data to deliver exact, effective, and standardized treatment pathways.
Resource-Stratified Care: Responsibly adapting global oncological guidelines to fit the diverse clinical and resource realities across the Philippine healthcare system.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Uniting surgical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and supportive care teams to put the individual patient at the center of the treatment plan.
By uniting our expertise, refining clinical strategies, and promoting early detection, we can change the narrative for esophagus and gastric cancer in the country. We remain committed to working alongside our medical societies to turn complex clinical challenges into stories of survival and hope.
The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation works continuously with medical societies like SOSP to advance health equity and clinical excellence in the Philippines. Learn more about our ongoing advocacy programs and institutional partnerships.
Father’s Day (June 21)
To the Pillars of Our Homes: Happy Father’s Day. The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation salutes the incredible fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who provide strength, guidance, and love to their families every single day.
In our mission for person-centered cancer care, we often see fathers standing as the silent anchors for their loved ones during difficult health journeys. But today, we want to look directly at you—Tatay, Papa, and Daddy—and remind you: Your health is the greatest gift you can give to the family you protect.
Our Commitment to the Pillars of the Family
Care that Listens: We advocate for a healthcare system that respects the unique needs and perspectives of men, making health discussions approachable and stigma-free.
Early Detection as a Shield: From prostate and colorectal cancers to lung and bladder health, catching symptoms early ensures you stay strong for the milestones ahead.
Quality and Support: Pushing for accessible, navigated treatment plans so no father has to face a diagnosis without a clear, supportive path forward.
A Special Father’s Day Reminder
Being strong for your family also means taking care of yourself. This month, we challenge all fathers to:
Schedule that long-overdue check-up or screening.
Listen to your body and never ignore early warning signs.
Encourage your fellow fathers and brothers to prioritize their wellness.
To the fathers who are brave survivors, those currently fighting, and the dedicated fathers within our healthcare workforce—Mabuhay po kayo. You are the heart of why we strive for better care.
National No Smoking Month
Clear the Smoke, Choose Life: National No Smoking Month
Tobacco use remains one of the single most preventable risk factors for numerous types of cancer—including lung, head and neck, bladder, and cervical cancers.
At the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, our mission for person-centered care means we look past the statistics and focus on the person. We understand that quitting is a deeply personal, often challenging journey that requires compassion, encouragement, and a strong support system.
Choosing a smoke-free life isn't just about adding years to your life; it's about adding quality to those years and protecting the people you love from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Why a Tobacco-Free Life is a Gift to Yourself and Your Family
Immediate Healing: Your body begins to repair itself the moment you stop, drastically lowering your cancer risks over time.
Better Treatment Outcomes: For individuals currently undergoing cancer therapy, quitting smoking significantly enhances the body's ability to heal and respond to treatment.
Health Equity for All: We continue to advocate for environments and policies that protect every Filipino from tobacco-related illnesses, ensuring a healthier space for the next generation.
Quitting is one of the most powerful decisions you can make for your health. If you or a loved one are taking that step this month, know that you are choosing a future filled with deeper breaths and milestones yet to come.
How You Can Participate This Month
Take the First Step: Commit to making this month the beginning of your smoke-free journey.
Be a Pillar of Support: If someone in your family is trying to quit, offer patience and encouragement instead of judgment.
Spread Awareness: Educate your community that a cancer-free Philippines starts with one less puff.
Let's work together to clear the air and protect the health of our nation. Because every breath matters.
A Historic Milestone: Honoring a Global Leader in Surgery
The Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation beams with immense pride as we congratulate our very own Chairperson, Dr. Catherine S.C. Teh, on her election as an Honorary Fellow of the American Surgical Association (ASA).
This is not an honor one applies for—it is a rare distinction conferred exclusively by election, recognizing landmark contributions to surgery, distinguished academic scholarship, and transformative leadership.
Why this is an extraordinary achievement:
The ASA is considered the "inner sanctum" of academic surgery. With only a few hundred active members globally, election to this body is a career milestone that signals one has reached the absolute top tier of surgical scholarship worldwide.
Leadership that Drives Our Mission
As our Chairperson, Dr. Teh’s induction into the ASA isn't just a personal triumph; it is a testament to the world-class caliber of Filipino surgery. Her dedication to excellence is what fuels our Foundation’s advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care. By representing the Philippines on this global stage, she continues to bridge the gap between international surgical innovation and the care provided to every Filipino patient.
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
📞 +63 917 700 7500
📧 secretariat@pcscancom.org
🏢3/F Philippine College of Surgeons Building, 992 EDSA, Quezon City, Metro Manila, 1105
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