Philippine costs in oncology (PESO): Describing the economic impact of cancer on Filipino cancer patients using the ASEAN costs in oncology study dataset

Background. Cancers are among the top causes of mortality in the Philippines. The treatment regimens are also costly and put Filipinos at risk of fnancial catastrophe. The economic impact, however, has not been documented. Objectve. This analysis aimed to describe the economic impact of cancer in the Philippines and analyze predictors of fnancial catastrophe among Filipino cancer patents. Method. The analysis used the dataset from the ASEAN costs in oncology study, a prospectve study of adult cancer patents in Southeast Asia. Cancer patents were recruited at tme of diagnosis and were monitored in terms of health outcomes, costs, and quality of life. Multnomial regression models were generated to assess predictors of death and fnancial catastrophe. Results. Informaton from 909 respondents in the Philippines was included in the analysis. Overall, 240 (26.4%) of the cohort were dead at the end of the study while 40.6% were stll alive at Month 12 but had experienced fnancial catastrophe. Mean combined Month 3 and Month 12 out-of-pocket expenditure was PhP181,789.00 (n = 458, sd = 348,717.47). Belonging to higher income groups (vs. belonging to the lowest two) was signifcantly associated with lower risk of fnancial catastrophe. Insurance did not confer signifcant change in risk of death or fnancial catastrophe. Conclusion. Cancer can be a signifcant economic burden for Filipinos leading to fnancial catastrophe. Insurance mechanisms at the tme of study failed to protect against catastrophe.