PNCS and NICCA Impact on Women’s Cancer Care: A Health Policy Lens on Equity and Access in LMICs

PNCS and NICCA Impact on Women’s Cancer Care: A Health Policy Lens on Equity and Access in LMICs

Marianne L Hermoso , Rena S Mallillin, Grace Zurielle C Malolos, Lloyd A Barba, Michelle A Choa, Catherine SC Teh
International Student Surgical Network – Philippines, Philippines

Despite worldwide advancements in cancer therapy, women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) still face major obstacles to timely and efficient care. This study looks at how the Philippine National Cancer Summit (PNCS) and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), two evidence-based policy interventions, have improved the country’s health system’s ability to respond to breast and cervical cancer. A health policy review was applied to examine governance structures, financing mechanisms, and service delivery models shaping women’s cancer care in LMICs. Through decentralized service delivery, financial mechanisms, and patient guidance initiatives, NICCA, a national legal framework, institutionalized integrated cancer care. PNCS, fostered policy advocacy that improved diagnostic referral systems and increased government investment in women’s oncology services. Our results show that by enhancing primary and tertiary care coordination, PNCS-driven advocacy contributed to a reduction in biopsy-to-treatment wait times in pilot locations. Treatment adherence rose by using NICCA-supported navigation techniques, especially for patients in remote locations. Financial difficulties, a lack of adequate screening facilities, and a lack of qualified oncology staff were noted as enduring obstacles to care in both programs.

This study emphasizes the necessity of regionally driven, locally tailored, and coordinated frameworks. Both PNCS and NICCA’s combined approaches highlight scalable, sustainable models that integrate cancer care into national health reforms while contributing to global dialogue on health equity. Maintaining funding for these initiatives is essential to lowering the death rate from female cancer in LMICs and promoting inclusive, cross-sectoral cooperation in the development of health systems.

Keywords: Cancer, PNCS, LMICs, UHC, WomensCancer,