AXA Philippines supports cancer prevention programs

Photo shows (L-R) AXA Philippines chief of retail propositions Alok Rungta, president and CEO Rahul Hora, and Philippine Cancer Society executive director Dr. Rachael Rosario

and education and information committee chair Emily Altomonte-Abrera.

More than 140,000 new cancer cases and more than 80,000 cancer deaths are recorded in the Philippines every year, according to the 2018 Global Data on Cancer.

In light of these alarming numbers, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is working with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) to increase cancer awareness and preparedness among Filipinos.

The partnership supports Republic Act (R.A.) 11215, National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), which aims to prevent cancer and improve cancer survivorship by increasing investments for programs to fight the ailment. 

AXA president and chief executive officer Rahul Hora said, “At AXA, we want to help people live healthy lives and know that a better life is within their reach. We believe education is still the best approach to prevention. We are grateful to the Philippine Cancer Society for giving us the opportunity to be part of this program.”  

PCS executive director Dr. Rachael Rosario pointed out, “The incidence of cancer in the country is growing at an alarming rate. It is important to educate everyone, most especially young people, that a healthy lifestyle is critical to cancer prevention. We need all the help we can get and we are thankful to have found a partner in AXA.”

Under the program, AXA Philippines will hold various initiatives that support cancer prevention by stressing the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Foremost of these is a heath campaign in schools to raise anti-tobacco awareness, plus lectures on obesity and the ill effects of sugar, and a fun poster-making contest for students. Free cervical cancer screening and clinical breast examination by PCS health care providers will be offered to adults in the schools.

Aside from the partnership with PCS, AXA also seeks to create awareness of and promote protection from this deadly disease through insurance products that offer coverage for critical illnesses.  The Health Start insurance product, for example, offers protection from life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, stroke and heart attack, at an affordable price.

For more information on Health Start and other products, talk to an AXA Financial Partner or visit www.axa.com.ph/healthstart.