PhilHealth ramps up breast cancer detection drive

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is stepping up its campaign for the early detection of breast cancer this October, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen healthcare access across the country.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado urged women to take advantage of the agency’s expanded benefits and screening packages, stressing 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 the 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),” he added.

Despite being one of the most treatable cancers, breast cancer remains among the leading causes of death among Filipino women due to late detection. A 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies revealed that only 1 percent of Filipino women undergo cancer screening — roughly 540,000 out of an estimated 54 million. The study also showed that about 65 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, significantly reducing survival chances.

To help ease the financial burden of treatment, PhilHealth has enhanced its Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer, increasing the maximum coverage from ₱100,000 to up to ₱1.4 million — a 1,300 percent jump. The package now covers patients from Stages 0 to 4, including those already undergoing treatment. As of September, PhilHealth has released ₱72.03 million under this expanded benefit.

Through the YAKAP program, PhilHealth also supports prevention efforts by covering outpatient breast cancer screening tests, including mammograms worth ₱2,610 and breast ultrasounds worth ₱1,350.

PhilHealth said its goal is to remove cost as a barrier to early diagnosis and encourage more 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).