DOH, IATF urged to set cancer treatment protocols

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) should establish protocols for cancer treatment even as the country deals with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pandemic, Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas said on Thursday.

“Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, treatments have been postponed as going to hospitals for chemotherapy, radiation and even ordinary consultations poses greater risks for cancer patients. But more than a month and a half under ECQ, some protocols need to be established as cancer treatment sessions cannot be postponed indefinitely,”  Vargas said in a statement, referring to the enhanced community quarantine.

He said the DOH and IATF should strongly consider recommendations by physicians, surgeons, health care providers, and civil society organizations that deal with the treatment and management of cancer.

Vargas said among the recommendations he endorsed is to restructure existing hospitals with cancer care facilities and designate certain hospitals and clinics to be dedicated to cancer treatment and care.

Authorities should establish guidelines by which these cancer care facilities can minimize the risk of exposure and infection of cancer patients to COVID-19, he said.

Vargas said the government should ensure availability and access to medicines for cancer care, including palliation and pain management.

The government should also provide transportation support or assistance and travel clearance to and from residence to point of care and back.

During the 16th Congress, Vargas was one of the authors of Republic Act 11215, the National Integrated Cancer Control Act.

Ninety-six Filipinos die of cancer every day or four every hour, according to the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Human Genetics.