Lung cancer in the Philippines has been a growing problem in the community. In 2021, the number of cases of lung cancer increased by 19,180. This was about 12.5% of the total cancer cases in the country. Looking at the statistics of lung cancer in the Philippines, the health condition is a pressing concern, with numbers showing that it is one of the country’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths.
The cost of treatment in the Philippines directly influences cancer survivability. Treatment continues to be expensive, and It has become a significant financial burden for many Filipinos.
Currently, there are several treatment options available for lung cancer patients. This includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is often the first line of treatment for early-stage lung cancer. It can be highly effective when the cancer is caught early on.
Radiation therapy is a more intense and expensive treatment option. It uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors. On the other hand, chemotherapy is the most expensive and most effective treatment. It uses chemical substances to address cancerous cells. Additionally, It can be used in combination with other therapies to amplify its effects.
Surgery is the most common treatment option for lung cancer in the Philippines, with some centers offering video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotic surgery. Radiation therapy is also available in most major hospitals in the country. Access to these treatments can be limited in rural areas. Chemotherapy is widely known, but the cost can be a barrier for many patients.
The cost of lung cancer treatment in the Philippines can vary depending on the cancer stage, the type of treatment, and the facility where the treatment is given. Fortunately, some financial assisting institutions help cancer patients receive treatments with optimized costs, like Hope From Within. The organization empowers patients by learning about treatment options and providing information about access to other funding support channels.
Learn about lung cancer and its risk factors, symptoms, screening, and treatments. Read this infographic by Hope From Within.
