MANILA, Philippines — With liver cancer now claiming the lives of 32 Filipinos every day, medical experts are urging the government to establish a National Liver Center to address a critical shortage of specialists and improve dismal survival rates.
Dr. Jennielyn Agcaoili-Conde, president of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP), revealed that the country currently has fewer than 100 liver specialists. This equates to a staggering ratio of just one hepatologist for every 100,000 Filipinos.
- The Brain Drain: Most current specialists are forced to train abroad. A national center would serve as a “homegrown” training ground for hepatologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, and transplant experts.
- Better Data: A dedicated center would also host a proper national registry to track the incidence and prevalence of liver diseases, which is currently described as inadequate.
Liver cancer is currently the fourth most common cancer in the Philippines and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
- Asymptomatic Beginnings: Dr. Conde noted that the disease is often “equivalent to mortality” because it is asymptomatic in its early stages. Most patients only seek help when the ailment is advanced, leading to catastrophic healthcare costs.
- Economic Fallout: Families are frequently forced to sell property, take out loans, or pull children out of school to fund expensive late-stage treatments.
The HSP is calling for a three-pronged approach from the government:
- PhilHealth Expansion: A request for an expanded benefit package to cover the full spectrum of care, from initial diagnosis to terminal treatment.
- Hepatitis B Screening: A push for a nationwide screening program. Hepatitis B is a primary precursor to liver cancer, and experts argue that “prevention is far more affordable than treating terminal cancer.”
- Vaccination & Lifestyle: Encouraging the public to get vaccinated, avoid excessive alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and quit smoking.
According to the World Health Organization, the Philippines saw over 12,500 new liver cancer cases in 2022 alone. Experts warn that without a centralized institution and better financial protection, these numbers will only continue to climb.