Dr Frederic Ivan Ting speaks to ecancer about the role of the medical oncologist in the holistic care of patients with cancer in the Philippines.

He initially discusses the background of his position paper. Dr Ting says that in the past decade, cancer care in the Philippines has advanced in response to the complex heterogeneity inherent to the disease and the constantly increasing number of patients.

Central to this development is the increased awareness and universal acceptance of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in providing cancer care to optimise outcomes where medical oncologists play a vital role.

He then explains the key statements of this position paper which summarise the unique and multifaceted roles of the medical oncologists in ensuring that the best possible care is given to patients with cancer by actively participating in the whole spectrum of the patient’s journey-from diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, until providing palliative care and addressing end-of-life issues.

Dr Ting concludes by discussing how the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) envision the future of cancer care in the Philippines.

To read the paper click here.