Various stakeholders are set to discuss cancer policies and care in the country during the Philippine National Cancer Summit 2023 that will start on Thursday, Feb. 23
Carrying the theme “Bridging Gaps in Cancer Cure Through 3Cs (Communication, Complementation, Collaboration), the summit will be held at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila until Friday, Feb. 24.
“The goal is to bring together all the stakeholders in cancer to a common direction moving forward. The PCS Cancer Commission collaborates with all the groups advocating cancer, both in government and non-government,” said Dr. Jose Rhoel C. De Leon, director, Cancer Community Outreach and Support Program of the Philippine College of Surgeons-Cancer Commission Foundation (PCS-CCF).
“The Cancer Summit will connect every part of the puzzle that we are trying to put together – that is, the direction of cancer policy and care in the country,” he added.
Aside from health experts, patients and advocates are also expected to share their insights regarding cancer care.
“In one sense, this conference gives one a holistic snapshot of our collective efforts in battling cancer,” said PCS-CCF director Maximillan Robert G. Ventura.
“This summit provides us a great opportunity to learn from everyone so we can begin to bridge identified gaps and improve on processes and guidelines for a unified cancer management and better quality of life for all those affected with cancer or involved in cancer care,” said Dr. Maria Teresa Julieta U. Benedicto of the Philippine Radiation Oncology Society, and PCS-CCF director.
“We look forward to the vibrant energy of a strong community of champions taking action to improve the cancer care system in the country,” she added.
The Philippine Cancer Summit will be conducted in a hybrid format: face-to-face and online Facebook Live engaging program with plenary talks, breakout sessions, the PCS-CCF said.