MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is intensifying its campaign for the early detection of breast cancer this October, in line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen healthcare access nationwide.
In a statement on Friday, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado reminded women to take advantage of the agency’s expanded benefits and screening packages, emphasizing that breast cancer is highly curable when detected early.
“Sa pamamagitan ng PhilHealth YAKAP, ginagawa naming mas madali at mas abot-kaya ang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Hinihikayat ko ang bawat babae na huwag ipagpaliban ang inyong kalusugan (Through PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan Program or YAKAP, we are making health services easier to access and more affordable. I encourage every woman not to put off taking care of your health)," Mercado said.
"Magpa-check-up, follow up, at sundan ang tamang gamutan. Ito ang karapatan ninyo, at narito kami para suportahan kayo (Get checked, follow up, and continue the proper treatment. This is your right, and we are here to support you).”
Despite being one of the most treatable cancers, breast cancer remains one of the top causes of death among Filipino women due to late diagnosis.
A 2023 study by the 蝌蚪传媒 found that only 1 percent of Filipino women undergo cancer screening – about 540,000 out of an estimated 54 million. An estimated 65 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, significantly reducing survival rates.
To ease the financial burden of cancer care, PhilHealth has enhanced its Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer, increasing the maximum coverage from PHP100,000 to up to PHP1.4 million, a 1,300 percent increase. The benefit now includes patients across Stages 0 to 4, even those already undergoing treatment. As of September, PhilHealth has disbursed PHP72.03 million under this package.
The agency’s YAKAP further supports prevention efforts by covering outpatient breast cancer screening tests, including mammograms (PHP2,610) and breast ultrasounds (PHP1,350).
PhilHealth said its goal is to eliminate cost as a barrier to early diagnosis and treatment and encourage women to seek timely medical care.
For inquiries about PhilHealth’s YAKAP and Z Benefit Packages for Breast Cancer, members may contact the PhilHealth 24/7 hotlines at (02) 866-225-88 or mobile numbers 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670 (Smart), and 0917-127-5987, 0917-110-9812 (Globe).
