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Supporting your health journey with smarter, more proactive cancer detection

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Cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent diseases globally, with approximately 1 in 11 people developing cancer¹ and Asia accounting for nearly 50% of global cancer cases2. Despite this, there’s good news. Advancements in therapies, treatments, and screening methods have made it possible to detect and treat cancer earlier than ever before.

 

In the Philippines, significant efforts have strengthened cancer screening initiatives. The Philippines Cancer Control Program (PCCP) has helped make screening more accessible, particularly for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers—three of the most diagnosed cancers in the country.3

 

At the same time, there’s growing attention on finding ways to screen more types of cancer earlier and more conveniently. These include cancers of the lung (trachea and bronchus), liver and intrahepatic bile ducts, prostate, thyroid, ovary, and corpus uteri, which rank among the country’s top 10 most common cancers.4,5,6

 

As the role of comprehensive screening continues to grow, it raises an important question: could earlier, broader detection be one of the keys to reducing the overall burden of cancer—and improving longevity?

Why early detection matters

Catching cancer early can make a meaningful difference. For many types like gastric cancers7, early detection can lead to more treatment options, better outcomes, and higher chances of recovery. This makes comprehensive screening especially important, particularly for cancers that are traditionally difficult to detect.

 

Fortunately, innovations are making this more possible. Guardant Health introduces a Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test* that is intended to detect 10 critical cancers affecting Filipinos, including colorectal, lung, ovarian, esophageal, prostate, breast, pancreatic, stomach, liver, and bladder cancers.

 

Imagine being able to screen for multiple cancers with just one blood test. That’s exactly what the MCD test* technology offers—simple, non-invasive, and convenient enabling simultaneous screening for multiple cancers. It provides a convenient and reassuring option for those who want to take a more proactive approach to their health. 

Bringing MCD test* innovation closer to Filipinos

Through an exclusive partnership with Guardant Health, Manulife brings this game-changing innovation in cancer detection to Filipinos—offering access to Guardant Health’s MCD test* and empowering individuals to take earlier steps toward long‑term wellness. 

 

Because when it comes to health, having the right information early—and the right financial protection in place—can make all the difference. A cancer diagnosis can bring not only physical and emotional challenges, but also a significant financial burden, from treatment costs to long-term care. 

 

Early detection helps open the door to better outcomes, while being financially prepared can ease the strain when it matters most. With financial solutions like Manulife HealthFlex and Manulife GoalReady for Health, Filipinos can face the future with greater confidence—focusing on recovery, protecting what matters, and giving themselves the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.

* Your customer’s clinical eligibility will be determined by the medical provider with whom they will schedule your appointment.

References

  1. Global Cancer Observatory. Asia Fact Sheet. Data version Globocan 2022
  2. Binns C, Low WY. Cancer: An Increasing Public Health Challenge in the Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health. 2024;36(4):309-311. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/10105395241253049
  3. Global Cancer Observatory the Philippines Fact Sheet. Data Version Globocan 2022. (2) Ting, F. I. L., Dee, E. C., Ting, M. K. D. R., Tud, A. R., Feliciano, E. J. G., Ong, E. P., & Narra, C. V. (2025). Establishing the Philippine Cancer Center national cancer research agenda 2024–2028: Insights and future directions. JCO Global Oncology, 11, e2400613. https://doi.org/10.1200/GO-24-00613
  4. Global Cancer Observatory. Data version Globocan 2022 
  5. Department of Health Philippines. (n.d.). The Philippine cancer control program. International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP). https://www.iccp-portal.org/sites/default/files/plans/The-Philippine-Cancer- Control-Program.pdf 
  6. Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, & Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy. (2018). Consensus guidelines on colorectal cancer screening in the Philippines. https://psde.org.ph/wp- content/uploads/2022/01/The_Joint_Philippine_Society_of_Gastroenterology_and_Philippine_Society_of_Digestive_Endoscopy_Consensus_Guidelines.pdf 4) Department of Health (Philippines). (2019). National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) implementing rules and the Philippine Cancer Control Program. Department of Health. 
  7. (1) Ang, S. D., Tolentino, R. S., Tan, B., & Reyes, D. A. G. (2003). Gastric cancer in Filipino patients: Survival after surgery. Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties, 58(1), 1–8. https://vsmmc.herdin.ph/index.php/herdin-home?cid=36450&view=research
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