National Integrated Cancer Control Act

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11215 (National Integrated Cancer Control Act)

Introductory Provisions
- Declares the policy of adopting an integrated and comprehensive approach to cancer control, prevention, and survivorship. (Section 2)
- Defines key terms related to cancer control, treatment, and care. (Section 3)

National Integrated Cancer Control Program
- Establishes a National Integrated Cancer Control Program with objectives such as decreasing cancer mortality, preventing cancer, providing timely access to treatment, and supporting cancer survivors. (Section 4)
- Creates a National Integrated Cancer Control Council to oversee the implementation of the Act and formulate policies and programs. (Sections 5-7)

Quality Health Care Systems
- Mandates strengthening public health systems, facilities, services, and continuum of care for cancer. (Section 9)
- Establishes a Philippine Cancer Center and designates comprehensive cancer care centers, regional cancer centers, and specialty centers. (Sections 10-12)
- Requires capacity development programs for healthcare workers providing cancer care services. (Section 13)
- Mandates assessment and enhancement of oncology-related academic curriculum. (Section 14)

Cancer Awareness
- Requires the DOH to intensify cancer awareness campaigns and provide evidence-based information. (Section 15)
- Declares February as the "National Cancer Awareness Month". (Section 16)
- Mandates integration of cancer education in schools, colleges, universities, workplaces, and communities. (Sections 17-19)

Affordable Cancer Care and Treatment
- Establishes a Cancer Assistance Fund to support cancer medicine and treatment assistance. (Section 20)
- Requires PhilHealth to expand benefit packages for cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care. (Section 21)
- Mandates development of social protection mechanisms for cancer patients, survivors, and their families. (Section 22)

Essential Medicines
- Requires reforms to ensure early access to essential cancer medicines and health technologies. (Section 23)
- Mandates ensuring sufficient supply of palliative care and pain management medicines. (Section 24)

Supportive Environment for Persons with Cancer and Cancer Survivors
- Recognizes cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and survivors as persons with disabilities with corresponding rights and privileges. (Sections 25-27)

Cancer Registry and Monitoring System
- Requires establishment of a national cancer registry and monitoring system. (Section 28)
- Mandates hospital-based cancer registries and reporting of cancer cases. (Sections 29-30)

Final Provisions
- Requires an annual report on the implementation progress. (Section 31)
- Appropriates funds for the initial implementation and subsequent years. (Section 32)
- Mandates the promulgation of implementing rules and regulations within 90 days. (Section 33)
- Includes separability and repealing clauses. (Sections 34-35)
- Sets the effectivity date 15 days after publication. (Section 36)