AstraZeneca Philippines, the Cancer Coalition of the Philippines , and the Philippine Business for Social Progress have entered a Memorandum of Agreement to amplify “Screen to Beat Lung Cancer,” a program aimed at early detection of lung cancer using artificial intelligence-assisted chest x-ray technology through the screening of at least 500,000 Filipino patients until next year.
For its part, PBSP has been helping companies and organizations reduce morbidity and mortality, improve nutrition, and achieve universal health coverage among poor families. PBSP will co-lead with CCCPH for the development of relations and coordination with government stakeholders in advocating Screen to Beat Lung Cancer program.
The Screen to Beat Lung Cancer program is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where lung cancer is often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis due to their similar presentation such as coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and common x-ray findings.This misdiagnosis can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, which can greatly reduce a patient’s chances of survival.
By pairing the qXR TB solution with lung cancer detection, there is an opportunity for synergy and increased value in diagnosing both diseases early.