THE National Integrated Cancer Control Act or Republic Act 11215 will institutionalize and integrate cancer curriculum development to oncologists, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals to care for cancer patients.

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) pediatric oncologist doctor Mae Dolendo, during Kapehan sa PIA press conference at NCCC Mall Buhangin on Friday, February 22, said they have to train the medical professionals to take care of the needs of patients who have cancer.

Dolendo noted that in their department they have child life specialist to help uplift the mood or feeling of the children admitted in the hospital.

"They are able to mitigate some of the pain children go through kasi meron silang medical play kasi itong experience with cancer, it could be traumatic to children," she said.

Dolendo added that the government will create a Philippine Cancer Center, providing excellence towards cancer care.

From treatment, to survivorship, the government will also provide rehabilitation, helping the patients to live their lives and go back to society.

The law will provide framework to decrease mortality of cancer patients, allowing them to avail hospitalization regardless of which stages they are in.

She added it allows them regular access to the hospital and to complete treatments.

The newly signed Republic Act 11215 for cancer patients will help them continue the treatments throughout the course in order to prevent dropping out or treatment abandonment.

The implementation of rules and regulations of the newly- signed law will still be finalized.

Meanwhile, Dolendo noted that most of the cancer cases reported in the country were breast cancer and lung cancer.

"Ang pinaka-logical advice to prevent cancer is to really go for early detection. Una, is to prevent by living a healthy lifestyle, staying away from vices like smoking, alcohol, and maintaining a good weight because we know that can also contribute to cancer. If it cannot be prevented, then go for early diagnosis and care," she added. (With Grace Yu, UM intern)