Philippine Cancer Society Champions AI-Assisted Cancer Screening
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) is actively promoting AI-assisted screening technology for lung and liver cancer to reduce costs and accelerate diagnosis and treatment. Officials reported that this innovative approach aims to make early cancer detection more affordable and accessible across the country.
PCS President Dr. Corazon Ngelangel explained that the AI-assisted screening technology can help determine the necessity of a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, which remains costly for many Filipinos. “We can’t move forward if it’s just a low-dose CT scan because it is expensive. Not many can afford that. Not even the government can afford that for every Filipino who is eligible for lung cancer scan,” she said during the launch of the Access to Cancer Treatment (ACT) Now program in Quezon City.
Cost-Effective Approach with AI-Assisted Cancer Screening
Instead of immediately resorting to low-dose CT scans, PCS advocates starting with a chest X-ray, which is more affordable. “We go with chest X-ray first because it is cheap… You go with step 1, and if you are tagged with high-risk nodules, then you will undergo a low-dose CT scan,” Ngelangel added. Community members noted that the AI-powered chest X-ray costs approximately ₱50, a significant reduction compared to traditional methods.
In a study involving 25,000 individuals using AI-assisted chest X-rays, only 1,600 people identified with lung nodules proceeded to the second screening phase involving low-dose CT scans. This targeted approach helps cut unnecessary expenses while prioritizing those at higher risk.
Lung Cancer: A Leading Health Threat
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies lung cancer as the top cause of cancer-related deaths globally. It is also the second most common cancer among Filipinos and the leading cause of cancer diagnoses in the country, local health experts reported.
Given the Philippines’ high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB), lesions caused by TB can sometimes be mistaken for lung nodules, which may indicate cancer. Ngelangel emphasized that AI-assisted chest X-rays can accurately differentiate TB lesions from cancerous nodules, enhancing diagnostic precision.
Bridging Gaps in Radiology Facilities
Officials highlighted the scarcity of radiology facilities in many communities, which often leads to delayed results. AI-assisted chest X-ray technology addresses this challenge by automatically detecting potential nodules and sending results for expert verification promptly.
With this advancement, early cancer detection becomes more efficient, potentially saving more lives through timely intervention.
Advocacy for Government Support
The Philippine Cancer Society has urged the Department of Health and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to integrate AI-powered technology into cancer screening programs. This move aims to broaden access to early detection tools nationwide, officials said.
PhilHealth recently announced coverage for selected outpatient cancer screening tests under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, effective August 14. The initiative includes tests for breast, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers to facilitate early diagnosis among Filipinos.
Coverage and Screening Costs Under PhilHealth
PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado explained that the program covers the following screenings:
- Mammogram: ₱2,610
- Breast ultrasound: ₱1,350
- Low-dose chest CT scan: ₱7,220
- Alpha fetoprotein (liver marker): ₱1,230
- Liver ultrasound: ₱960
- Colonoscopy: ₱23,640
These efforts collectively aim to improve cancer detection rates and reduce the financial burden on patients.
For more news and updates on AI-assisted cancer screening, visit Filipinokami.com.
