UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Participants will be able to identify entrepreneurial initiatives that help increase access to cancer treatment and care.

Methods: In the Philippines, many cancer patients die not because of the disease but because they are poor.

The widespread poverty in the country is the single largest obstacle to treatment. With 3,500 new cases diagnosed and 2,500 deaths yearly, families across the country face common problems. Cancer care is not covered by insurance and has no government subsidy. Hence, patients must pay for their own treatment. This has forced families not to seek or not to complete treatment protocols.

Cancer Warriors Foundation pioneered an intervention that seeks help address this issue. Through Entrepreneurship for Life, parents are able to obtain loans and learn skills needed to start small-scale enterprises. The goal is to develop a source of income to help meet the immediate need to purchase medicines and eventually a long-term means to ensure follow through cancer care.

To qualify, parents must have kids who are still undergoing cancer treatment. A simple business plan is also required. Loans range from 60 to 100 US dollars. Low interest rates are adopted for easier loan repayment. Payments are collected during a weekly parents' support group meeting.

Results: Through the program, 20 cancer kids were able to complete their treatment and have fully recovered. Program membership and loan amounts have substantially increased. Parents cite several psycho-social benefits of having a support group and improved family relationships for being able to pay for the treatment of their child.