Data revealed at the Transformative Innovations in Cancer Care: The Way Forward forum confirmed that the overall survival rate of cancer patients has already gone up from 1.5 years to 5 years with the use of new therapies.
This and other recent innovations in cancer care were the highlight of the forum organized by the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), Department of Health (DOH), and Cancer Coalition of the Philippines (CCPH), with support from Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (J&J Philippines). Government representatives also presented updates on the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) which will provide Filipinos with greater access to cancer medicines and other treatment advancements.
Cancer remains to be one of the leading causes of mortality in the Philippines. According to a recent study by GLOBOCAN, it was found that the most common types of cancer among men are lung, colorectum, and prostate. The same study reported that for women, the top three are breast, cervix, and colorectum. Effective screening and prevention strategies already exist for many of these cancers. There are also treatment innovations developed by research-based pharmaceutical companies that aim to help cancer patients live longer, healthier lives.
“We are seeing better outcomes in terms of overall survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients thanks to these innovations,” said the executive director of PHAP, Teodoro Padilla. “It is important that we recognize their benefits as we continue to build a future where cancer can be cured or eradicated.”
J&J leads the way in cancer care and treatment
Across its global network, Johnson & Johnson is at the forefront and on a continuing journey to support both patients and stakeholders in the fight against cancer by introducing new treatments, forging partnerships, and launching programs that aim to transform the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Among the healthcare giant’s priorities is prostate cancer, which is one of the top 5 cancers in the Philippines. To help fight the disease, J&J Philippines launched a 2nd generation anti-androgen that provides significant treatment benefits for patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
Blood cancer is another area of focus for J&J Philippines. Through the years, the company has developed a portfolio of innovative medicines and therapies for treatment of lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Together with the Philippine government and some medical associations, J&J Philippines also works to educate the public about prostate and blood cancer to encourage possible patients to seek proper consult, and to let them know of treatment options and other support available to them. Even in their advanced stages, there is still hope for cancer patients.
According to the head of Medical Affairs of J&J Philippines, Dr. Erwin Benedicto: “The developments in cancer research and innovative approaches for cancer treatment available today have evolved cancer from a deadly disease to one that Filipinos can be more hopeful of recovering from. We are committed to supporting our healthcare professionals who are continuing their medical education in this disease area by partnering with key stakeholders in increasing patient awareness, and providing innovative, novel therapies to patients so they can live better and longer lives.”
