Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11215)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11215 is the "National Integrated Cancer Control Act."
The primary policy declaration recognizes cancer as one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines and mandates an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, including strengthening patient and family-centered cancer control policies, programs, systems, interventions, and services at all levels of the healthcare delivery system.
Cancer is defined as a generic term for a large group of diseases characterized by the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, can invade adjoining parts of the body, and spread to other organs; also known as malignant tumors and neoplasms.
The National Integrated Cancer Control Program serves as the framework for all government cancer-related activities with objectives to reduce cancer mortality, lessen preventable cancer incidence, provide timely access to optimal treatment, increase affordability and accessibility of care, and support cancer survivors among others.
The Council is composed of the Secretary of Health as chairperson, a vice-chairperson elected from non ex officio members, ex officio members from various government departments, two medical doctors with at least 10 years’ experience in oncology, and three representatives from cancer-focused patient support organizations, all appointed or designated as specified by the law.
Key functions include formulating cancer control policies, developing the national roadmap, setting treatment standards, promoting integrated multidisciplinary care, monitoring cancer services, recommending medicine access programs, establishing stakeholder collaboration, and submitting annual progress reports.
The Philippine Cancer Center, under the DOH, aims to align with national cancer control plans, provide medical treatment, promote scientific research on cancer prevention and care, support training of healthcare professionals, and assist in related educational programs and research.
The Cancer Assistance Fund is established to support cancer medicine and treatment assistance programs, managed by the DOH, and may include donations which are tax-exempt. The fund is subject to regular reporting and accountability measures to ensure proper use of the resources.
The Act mandates the expansion of PhilHealth benefit packages to cover primary care screening, detection, diagnosis, treatment assistance, supportive care, rehabilitation, and end-of-life care for all types and stages of cancer, with processes to streamline access and coverage rates in consultation with stakeholders.
The Act provides that government agencies must ensure that people living with cancer and cancer survivors are free from any form of discrimination in schools, workplaces, and communities, protecting their rights and promoting inclusion.