Philippine College of Surgeons
Cancer Commission Foundation
Championing Integrated Quality Cancer Care
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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
Fueling the Fight: Nutrition in Quality Cancer Care
Every July, the Philippines observes National Nutrition Month—a vital reminder that recovery is heavily shaped by how we nourish our bodies. At the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, our advocacy for person-centered cancer care recognizes that quality treatment goes far beyond surgery and medicine; proper nutrition is an essential prescription for healing.
Why Nutrition is Core to Person-Centered Care
A holistic approach to cancer care addresses the needs of the whole person. Proper nutrition is critical at every stage of the patient journey:
Maintains Strength: Helps patients preserve muscle mass, tolerate therapies better, and manage treatment side effects.
Accelerates Healing: Supplies the vital nutrients needed for cellular repair and immune recovery after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Supports Prevention: A balanced, whole-food diet remains a key factor in reducing the long-term risk of recurrence and secondary malignancies.
"Nourishing the body, empowering the fight: Quality cancer care begins with proper nutrition."
By integrating nutritional guidance into the care continuum, we empower patients, survivors, and families with the tools they need to move beyond survival and truly thrive.
Understanding Sarcoma and Bone Cancer: Prioritizing Quality, Person-Centered Care
July is globally recognized as Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. Often referred to as the "forgotten cancers," sarcomas are rare, highly diverse malignancies that develop in the bones or soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, and deep skin tissues.
At the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care focuses on addressing the unique complexities of these rare tumors, ensuring that patients receive timely, specialized, and compassionate intervention.
Why Sarcoma Care Demands a Multidisciplinary Approach?
Because sarcomas are uncommon and can develop almost anywhere in the body, they present distinct clinical challenges that require a highly coordinated team of specialists.
The Challenge of Early Diagnosis: Sarcomas frequently mimic benign lumps or common sports injuries. Early, accurate diagnosis by experienced pathologists and radiologists is critical to establishing the correct treatment path.
Preserving Life and Mobility: High-quality surgical oncology, paired with advanced medical and radiation therapies, aims not only to eliminate the cancer but also to preserve limb function and protect the patient's long-term quality of life.
A Unified Medical Team: Best patient outcomes are achieved when orthopedic oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and rehabilitation specialists collaborate from day one to tailor a treatment plan to the individual.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Early detection remains one of our strongest tools in improving survival rates and preserving physical function. We encourage the public to consult a medical professional if they experience:
A new lump, or a lump that is growing anywhere on the body (even if it is painless)
Persistent, unexplained bone or joint pain (especially pain that worsens at night)
Unexplained swelling or limited range of motion in a limb
Understanding Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas: The Critical Need for Multidisciplinary Care
Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are rare, highly diverse, and complex malignancies that require a specialized approach to diagnosis and treatment. In the fight against these "forgotten cancers," establishing a unified and highly coordinated treatment plan is paramount to securing the best possible results for every patient.
At the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, our commitment to person-centered and quality cancer care aligns with the leading medical societies in the Philippines. We advocate for structured, collaborative care pathways that address the unique clinical and personal challenges faced by patients navigating a sarcoma diagnosis.
Why Sarcoma Care Demands a Multidisciplinary Approach?
Because sarcomas can develop in bones or soft tissues throughout the body, managing them effectively requires clinical synergy across multiple medical fields. According to Dr. Charles Abraham C. Villamin, President of the Philippine Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (PMTS):
"In the management of bone and soft tissue sarcomas, a multidisciplinary approach is an absolute necessity for achieving optimal outcomes. Strong clinical evidence consistently demonstrates that timely referral to a multidisciplinary team significantly improves patient survival rates and overall satisfaction."
1. The Importance of Timely Referrals
Sarcomas are often misdiagnosed early on as benign lumps or routine sports injuries. Timely referral to a specialized multidisciplinary team ensures that patients receive an accurate diagnosis from expert pathologists and radiologists, preventing delayed or inappropriate interventions that could compromise their prognosis.
2. Collaboration via Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards (vMTBs)
To deliver comprehensive care, orthopedic oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and rehabilitation specialists must work in close coordination. By discussing complex cases within a Multidisciplinary Tumor Board, specialists can collaboratively design a precise, tailored treatment plan that prioritizes both tumor eradication and functional preservation.
3. Improving Patient Survival and Quality of Life
A unified treatment strategy does not just focus on survival rates; it also aims to maximize the patient's long-term quality of life. Through advanced surgical techniques and supportive rehabilitation, the medical team works together to preserve limb function, mobility, and overall patient satisfaction.
Partnering for Better Outcomes
The orthopedic oncologists of the PMTS actively welcome and emphasize close cooperation with all medical specialties to deliver the comprehensive care that Filipino patients deserve.
By bridging gaps between medical disciplines, the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation and its partner organizations continue to champion equitable, high-quality, and person-centered healthcare for every sarcoma warrior in the Philippines.
To learn more about our multidisciplinary initiatives, clinical resources, or how to participate in our upcoming tumor boards, please visit our (insert MDT project page) or reach out to us directly.
Upcoming Event: Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (vMTB) on Sarcoma & Bone Cancer
Because sarcomas are rare, diverse, and highly complex, achieving optimal patient outcomes demands seamless, multidisciplinary teamwork.
In observance of Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Cancer Commission Foundation, together with the Philippine Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (PMTS) and our esteemed partner organizations, cordially invites healthcare professionals to our upcoming Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (vMTB).
Under our guiding principle—Collaborate. Innovate. Cure.—this session will bring together leading specialists to discuss complex cases, exchange clinical insights, and collaborate on evidence-based strategies to deliver the comprehensive, person-centered care that patients deserve.
Event Details
Topic: Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board on Sarcoma & Bone Cancer
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (PST)
Venue: Virtual Platform (Access link will be provided upon registration)
Target Audience: Exclusive for Healthcare Providers, Specialists, and Allied Medical Professionals
Participating Organizations
This collaborative event is organized by the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation in cooperation with:
Philippine Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (PMTS)
Philippine Orthopaedic Association (POA)
Philippine Radiation Oncology Society (PROS)
Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO)
Philippine Society of Pathologists (PSP)
Philippine College of Radiology (PCR)
Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (PSHPM)
Telemedicine Network of the Philippines
Registration Information
Participation in this virtual tumor board is free but requires prior registration. Secure your slot today to join the discussion and collaborate with fellow colleagues across the country.
Register Online: Click here to register
Alternatively, you may register by scanning the QR code featured on our official event bulletin.
For inquiries please contact the PCS Cancer Commission Secretariat.
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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