To mark International Women’s Day, The Estée Lauder Companies Asia Pacific today announced a US$100,000 donation to the ICanServe Foundation for a new chemotherapy project at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. The funding, donated as part of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, will be allocated to purchase two new BioHood machines, which are used in the preparation of chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer patients.
The project, a collaboration between Helping Women & Other (HWAO) and the ICanServe Foundation, will double the number of breast cancer patients who can be treated at the Philippine General Hospital.
Filipino women have the highest incidence of breast cancer in Southeast Asia
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the Philippines and is also one of the deadliest cancers in the archipelago. According to the Cancer Incidence in Five Countries Research (CI5), both the incidence and mortality of breast cancer have increased steadily across Asia, and Filipino women are the most affected in the region. Breast cancer accounts for 16% of all cancer cases diagnosed in the Philippines, and for about 30% of cancer cases diagnosed among women, while the 10-year survival rate is only 57%, much lower than in developed countries.
Mel Lerma, Country Manager, Philippines for The Estée Lauder Companies said, “As breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer in the Philippines, our campaign is focused on addressing some of the biggest challenges in the country. Back in 2016, we supported the extension of the East Avenue Breast Care Center in Manila and today, we are pleased to announce this funding which will double the number of patients who can be treated at the Philippine General Hospital. This donation is a reflection of The Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign’s long-standing commitment to achieving a breast cancer-free world.”
A joint project between Helping Women & Others (HWAO) and the ICanServe Foundation
The Estée Lauder Companies’ donation will help increase the capacity of the IV Chemo Prep Roomat the Philippine General Hospital, which can currently treat 60 patients per day. The funding will be dedicated to the acquisition of two new BioHood units, which are used to produce the chemotherapy cocktails needed by breast cancer patients.
“Many women seeking treatment are turned away due to insufficient supply of chemical solutions. An expanded Prep Room with two additional BioHood units will double the number of patients who can receive the treatment they need,” said Elizabeth Virata, Chairperson of Helping Women & Others (HWAO). “We are deeply grateful to The Estée Lauder Companies for joining the HWAO Foundation and the ICanServe Foundation in our fight against breast cancer.”
Increasing the number of breast cancer patients able to receive treatment daily from 60 to 120
The Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute has only one room to prepare free chemo medicines for cancer patients, 50% of which are breast cancer cases. Each patient needs between six and eight chemo cycles. Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, Director of the Philippine General Hospital, said, “Breast cancer has a major impact on our public health system Our ability to provide the necessary treatment to all of our patients is limited. That is why it is critical that we collaborate with organisations such as HWAO Foundation and the ICanServe Foundation. We are extremely grateful to the Estée Lauder Companies for their contribution of BioHood machines which will allow us to increase our capacity to give chemotherapy treatment to patients every day.” The two new BioHood units will be installed and ready to use in October 2021.
