Scaling Up What Matters Most: Person-Centered and Integrated Cancer Care for Every Filipino
Embedded Files
Feb 19 - 20, 2026
CROWNE PLAZA GALLERIA
QUEZON CITY
CANCER GENETICS WORKSHOP
CANCER GENETICS WORKSHOP
A Genomic Revolution in Philippine Cancer Care: A Multisectoral Leap Forward
The Philippine healthcare landscape reached a transformative turning point on February 21, 2026, with the successful conclusion of the Cancer Genetics Workshop on Germline Genetic Testing. As a vital post-workshop feature of the Philippine National Cancer Summit, this landmark event represents a powerful multisectoral collaboration between the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Cancer Commission Foundation and the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS).
This initiative marks the first time a workshop of this caliber, specifically focused on Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome, has been conducted in the country. It serves as a clarion call for the entire multidisciplinary cancer care community—oncologists, surgeons, nurses, genetic counselors, and policymakers—to unite in integrating genomic intelligence into the standard of care for every Filipino.
Innovation Beyond the Scalpel: Personalizing the Fight
The core innovation of this workshop lies in its shift from "reactive" treatment to "proactive" prevention. By understanding the genetic blueprint of a patient, the entire care team can move beyond general protocols toward true precision medicine.
Leadership from the PCS emphasized that genetic literacy is now the cornerstone of a high-quality, multidisciplinary approach:
Dr. Catherine SC Teh (FPCS), Chair of the PCS Cancer Commission: “The future of surgery is not defined by how well we remove disease, but by how deeply we understand it. Genetics allows us to see what the scalpel cannot—risk before it manifests, biology before it declares itself, and opportunity before it is lost.”
Dr. Rhoel de Leon (FPCS), Immediate Past President of the PCS: “Although not all cancers are hereditary, all cancers are genetic. Cancer is driven by mutations in DNA that dictate cellular behavior. Understanding this allows us to move beyond treating disease to truly personalizing care.”
A Unified Voice from the Faculty
The workshop brought together a diverse panel of experts to provide a 360-degree view of risk assessment and counseling. Their insights highlight that genomic assessment is a shared responsibility across the healthcare continuum:
Dr. Samuel Ow: “All Cancer Care Professionals should play a part in the genomic assessment of their patients and their families in the course of their daily work. It is just as important to offer genetic risk assessment so we move from disease-centric treatment to preventable cure and wellness.”
Prof. Lee Soo Chin : “DNA is not destiny—it is information. When understood and supported, it empowers patients to act rather than fear.”
Ms. Ong Pei Yi : “Prevention begins with awareness. Understanding your genetic risk allows you to make informed, proactive decisions.”
Dr. Frances Victoria Que : “Educate patients and their healthcare providers on the benefits of testing and screening/early detection.”
The Path Forward: A Call for Continued Collaboration
The success of this inaugural workshop proves that the Philippines is ready to lead in precision oncology. However, elevating the quality of cancer care nationwide requires a sustained, multisectoral effort. To ensure that genetic insights lead to better patient outcomes, we must expand our reach.
We call on the entire cancer care community—medical societies, health institutions, patient advocates, and industry partners—to join this movement:
Participate: Engage in future workshops and training sessions to bridge the gap in genetic literacy.
Collaborate: We seek further multidisciplinary partnerships to make genetic testing and counseling accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Innovate: Help us integrate these genetic breakthroughs into everyday clinical pathways and national health policies.
The future of cancer care is genetic, and it belongs to all of us. By working together across disciplines, we can ensure that information becomes a life-saving tool for every Filipino family.
For more information on future workshops and how to get involved, please contact the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission.
Report abuse