SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
) 
) 
"senutr 
d~ff,;t "f 'IJ< >m.t"'~ 
First Regular Session 
'14 
FEB 10 Pl:59 
SENATE 
S. No. 
2114 
. REl'ldY,:I) i!Y;~ f" 
, 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
TO RAISE AWARENESS OF, AND TO EDUCATE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS 
ANTICIPATING SURGERY, ESPECIALLY PATIENTS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF 
ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS, REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY AND 
COVERAGE OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION, PROSTHESES, 
AND OTHER OPTIONS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15 provides: 
SEC. 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of 
the people and instill health consciousness among them. 
The Philippines reportedly has one of the highest incidences of breast cancer in 
Southeast Asia. Breast cancer is allegedly the third leading cause of death in the 
Philippines and the number one type of cancer among Filipino women, often afflicting 
them during their most productive years. 
An estimated three out of 100 Filipino women will reportedly contract the disease 
before age 75. The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology in 2012 cited that one out of 
100 women dies before age 75. This complements the Department of Health and 
Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. report, which states that breast cancer is the most 
• 
common cancer in the country, comprising 16 percent of the 80,000 new cancer cases in 
, 
1 http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/329126/cbb/phl-has-highest-bre,ast-cancer-rate-in-asia 
1 


Fortunately, new treatments and improved reconstructive surgery are now 
available for women who have breast cancer. Because of the recent developments in 
science and technology, breast cancer patients have better choices than ever before. 
Many women who have a mastectomy, either for prevention or treatment, have the 
option of having more surgery to rebuild the shape of the removed breast. Most women 
who undergo breast reconstruction report improved psychological, social, and sexual 
well-being, as well as satisfaction with the restored appearance of their breasts.2 
Hence, this bill seeks to raise awareness of, and to educate breast cancer patients 
anticipating surgery, especially patients who are members of ethnic minority groups, 
regarding the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and other 
options.3 
~~ )~ 
MIRIAM DEFE~C:;:NTIAi'O-
gJi' 
, 
2 http://www.philstar.com/health-and-farriily/20 13 / 1 % 11123 9890/preven1ive-mastectomy-and-
breast-reconstruction-angelina-jolie 
3 This bill was originally filed by Mr. Lance and Mrs. Christensen before the U.S. House of 
Representatives (1 13th Congress, 1" Session). http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkgIBILLS-
I 13hrl984ih/pdf/BlLLS-113hrl984ih.pdf 
• 


~. , 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
• 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
'14 
FEB 10 P1 :59' 
SENa1.:E 
S.No. 
~114 
RfX'EIVED B':._ (' 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
. 
" 
1 
AN ACT 
2 
TO RAISE AWARENESS OF, AND TO EDUCATE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS 
3 
ANTICIPATING SURGERY, ESPECIALLY PATIENTS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF 
4 
ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS, REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY AND 
5 
COVERAGE OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION, PROSTHESES, 
6 
AND OTHER OPTIONS 
7 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shJill be known as "Breast Cancer Patient 
8 
Education Act." 
9 
SECTION 2. Breast Reconstruction Education. -
10 
(a) In General. - The Secretary of Health shall provide for the planning and 
11 
implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patie!lts a,nticipating 
12 
surgery regarding the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and 
13 
other options, with a focus on informing patients who are members of ethnic minority 
14 
groups. 
• 
, 
15 
(b) Information to be Disseminated. -
16 
(1) Specific Information. - Such campaign shall include dissemination of 
17 
the following information: 
18 
(A) Breast reconstruction is possible at the time of breast cancer 
19 
surgery, or at a later time. 
20 
(B) Prostheses or breast forms may be aV,ailable. 
1 


, , - . 
1 
(C) The patient has a right to choose a provider of reconstructive 
2 
care, including the potential transfer of care to a surgeon that provides 
3 
breast reconstructive care. 
4 
(D) The patient may opt to undergo breast reconstruction some time 
5 
after the time of breast cancer surgery for personal or medical reasons, 
6 
during treatment or after completion of all other breast cancer treatments. 
7 
(2) Other Information . . -
In addition to the information described in 
8 
paragraph (1), such campaIgn may include dissemination of such other 
9 
information (whether developed by the Secretary or by other entities) as the 
10 
Secretary determines relevant. 
11 
(3) Required Publication. - The information required to be disseminated 
12 
under paragraph (1) and any information disseminated in accordance with 
13 
paragraph (2) shall be posted on the internet websites of relevant government 
14 
agencies. 
15 
(4) Restriction. - Such campaign shall not spel:;ify, or be designed to serve 
16 
as a tool to limit, the health care providers available to patients. 
17 
(c) Consultation. - In developing the information to be disseminated under this 
18 
Act, the Secretary shall consult with appropriate medical societies and patient advocates 
19 
related to breast cancer, breast reconstructive surgery, breast prostheses, and breast forms 
20 
and with patient advocates representing ethnic minority groups. 
21 
(d) Report. - Not later than two years after date of effectivity of this Act and every 
22 
two years after, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Health of the Senate and 
. 
23 
the House of Representatives a report describing the activities carried out under this Act 
24 
during the preceding two fiscal years, which shall include an evaluation of the extent to 
25 
which such activities have been effective in improving the health and well-being of 
26 
ethnic minority groups. 


• 
, 
1 
SECTION 3. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid 
2 
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall 
3 
remain valid and sUbsisting. 
4 
SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
5 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to 
6 
or is inconsistent with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended 
7 
accordingly. 
8 
SECTION 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
• 
9 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
/tldp6feb20 14 
• 
, 
3