Challenges and opportunities in the implementation of advanced brachytherapy programs for cervical cancer in the Philippines

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer cause of morbidity and mortality in Filipino women; the age‐standardized annual incidence is 15.2 as of March 2023. The majority are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage and in the reproductive and working age group. This results in important treatment and productivity costs. The importance of image‐guided and interstitial brachytherapy (BRT) in local control and toxicity outcomes has been shown in recent meta‐analyses. We review the status of advanced BRT program training and implementation in the Philippines and important challenges and opportunities to move forward.

Shared Decision Making in Oncology and Its Implementation in Cervical Cancer Management in the Philippines: A Narrative Review

“…A shared or active decision control preference was predominant among patients with advanced cancer surveyed at a private center, of whom only 11% are gynecologic patients 5 ; this preference may be even more prevalent among patients with cervical cancer as they are commonly in the reproductive age, play different societal roles-as homemakers or as part of the workforce-and require multimodality treatment and significant caregiving. 43 Compliance could be improved by engagement of the patient and her family in the decision-making process and decision implementation planning, which includes resource allocation and caregiver planning.…”