Frequently Asked Questions

Cancer and Hope is a specialized service dedicated to connecting Filipino cancer patients with world-class, advanced oncological treatments in China. We act as a bridge, providing end-to-end support from the initial medical review to travel logistics and post-treatment coordination.

No, we are not a medical institution; we are a specialized medical tourism and patient advocacy facilitator. All medical diagnoses and treatments are performed by the licensed oncologists and specialists at our partner hospital, Jinshazhou Hospital of GZUCM.

No official referral is required to begin a consultation with us. However, having your most recent medical records, biopsy results, and imaging scans ready will significantly speed up the evaluation process by the medical team.

We are a team of healthcare advocates and international patient coordinators who specialize in oncology referrals. Our mission is to provide Filipinos with access to medical technologies and treatment protocols that may not currently be available or affordable locally.

Our focus is strictly on high-end oncology utilizing advanced radiation and minimally invasive technology. We provide a seamless 'concierge' experience, including Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) reviews and Filipino-specific logistical support that other general services may lack.

Once you submit your records, your case is reviewed by a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at Jinshazhou Hospital. We then facilitate a video or detailed written consultation where the oncologist explains the proposed treatment plan and expected outcomes.

The initial review of your medical documents by our local team is typically free to determine eligibility. Detailed remote consultations or formal MDT reviews involving Chinese specialists may involve a professional fee, which will be disclosed upfront.

You should prepare digital copies of your most recent PET/CT or MRI scans (DICOM format), pathology/biopsy reports, and a summary of previous treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. A clear list of current medications and symptoms is also essential for an accurate review.

Yes, we offer remote second opinions through our MDT review process. You can receive a comprehensive treatment recommendation from the Chinese oncology team based on your uploaded records without leaving the Philippines.

Typically, you will receive an initial assessment within 48 to 72 hours after submitting complete medical records. More complex cases requiring a full Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) review may take up to 5 business days.

After the review, you will receive a structured treatment proposal including the recommended technology (e.g., TomoTherapy), estimated duration of stay, and a cost breakdown. Our coordinators will then discuss the next steps for visa processing and travel if you choose to proceed.

China offers access to some of the world’s most advanced radiation technologies and minimally invasive procedures at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries. Furthermore, their integrated approach combining Western medicine with traditional Chinese support often improves patient tolerance to treatment.

Patients are treated at the Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (GZUCM). This is a tertiary Class-III hospital known for its state-of-the-art International Cancer Center and multidisciplinary approach.

The hospital features world-class equipment including TomoTherapy (Helical Radiation), TrueBeam, Halcyon, and the ICON Gamma Knife. They also specialize in minimally invasive interventional oncology, such as cryoablation and seed implantation.

Treatment costs vary widely based on the cancer stage and technology required, but typically range from $20,000 to $60,000. This is often significantly more affordable than comparable high-tech radiation treatments in the US, Europe, or private local institutions.

Most treatment cycles require a stay of 3 to 6 weeks depending on the protocol. Some intensive radiation plans require daily sessions over several weeks, followed by a short observation period before you are cleared to fly back to the Philippines.

Yes, we coordinate with your local oncologist to ensure a smooth transition for follow-up care or maintenance therapy. You will be provided with a complete English medical transcript and imaging results to share with your local medical team.

The center treats a wide range of solid tumors, including lung, liver, breast, nasopharyngeal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. They specialize in complex cases, recurrent tumors, and stage III or IV cancers that require precise, high-dose radiation.

Yes, Filipino citizens require a visa to enter China. We assist you in obtaining a Medical (S2 or M) visa by providing the necessary official invitation letters from Jinshazhou Hospital.

You will generally need your passport, the official Hospital Invitation Letter, a medical certificate from your local doctor, and proof of financial capability. Our team provides a checklist and guides you through the application process at the Chinese Embassy.

Absolutely; we highly recommend having at least one companion for emotional and physical support. We assist in processing the dependent visa for your companion so they can stay with you throughout the duration of your treatment.

Yes. The hospital's international patient team includes multilingual staff fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese. Dedicated English and Tagalog-speaking coordinators are also available specifically for Filipino patients. You will have support for medical translation during doctor rounds, clinical consultations, and daily needs. Cantonese support is particularly useful for Filipino families with Cantonese-speaking contacts in the Guangdong region.

Pack comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, and any non-cancer related maintenance medications you take. You should also bring a universal power adapter and ensure you have a roaming data plan or a VPN installed to maintain communication with home.

We provide a private airport pickup service for all our international patients. A coordinator will meet you at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and take you directly to the hospital or your pre-arranged accommodation.

Patients usually stay in specialized VIP hospital suites designed for international guests. For companions or out-patients, we can help arrange nearby serviced apartments or hotels that are convenient for daily visits to the medical center.

Advanced surgical and oncological procedures at Jinshazhou Hospital typically run 40% to 60% less expensive than comparable treatments in North America or Europe. This cost advantage is driven by government subsidies for public hospitals, lower operational costs, and China's scale of medical infrastructure — not a reduction in quality. Patients receive the same internationally accredited technologies at a fraction of Western prices. For example: CyberKnife radiosurgery averages $25,000–$40,000 in the United States — at Jinshazhou Hospital, the same procedure costs approximately $7,000–$10,000 USD. A TomoTherapy advanced radiotherapy package starts at approximately $3,000 (including consultation). The hospital maintains JCI standards and US CAP laboratory accreditation throughout.

While every case is unique, the typical range for a full course of advanced treatment is between $20,000 and $60,000 USD. This covers advanced diagnostics, specialized radiation (like TomoTherapy), and inpatient hospital fees.

This estimate generally includes the medical procedures, hospital room stay, nursing care, and doctor's fees. It typically does not include international airfare, visa fees, or personal daily expenses outside of the hospital.

Currently, the hospital requires payment for treatment cycles upfront or in stages. We can discuss the specific billing schedule of the hospital with you to help you plan your finances before you travel.

You should ensure you have access to funds via international wire transfer or credit cards with sufficient limits. The Chinese Embassy may also require a recent bank statement to prove financial capacity for the duration of your medical stay.

Most Philippine HMOs do not cover international treatment directly. However, we can provide the necessary itemized billing and medical reports in English to assist you in filing for a reimbursement claim, depending on your policy's international riders.

This is one of the most difficult situations a family can face abroad, and there are several options depending on the circumstances. (1) Talk to the hospital first — the International Patient Office at Jinshazhou Hospital can work with families to restructure the treatment plan, prioritize the most critical procedures, or pause non-urgent sessions while a solution is arranged. The hospital will not abandon a patient mid-crisis. (2) Contact the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou — the Consulate has an Assistance to Nationals (ATN) program managed by the DFA that can provide emergency financial assistance for repatriation when a Filipino citizen is truly stranded. Their address is 5th Floor, Guangdong International Building, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District. (3) Contact OWWA — Overseas Workers Welfare Administration members may be eligible for emergency medical and repatriation assistance through the OWWA Medical Assistance Program. (4) Expedite any pending insurance claims — if there is an active policy, request an urgent advance or direct hospital billing arrangement from the insurer. (5) Consider medical repatriation — if continued treatment in China is no longer financially viable, arrange a medically supervised flight home to continue care under PhilHealth or local oncology services. Our coordinators will provide a complete English medical summary and imaging records for seamless handover to a Philippine hospital. We strongly advise all families to maintain a financial buffer of at least 20% above the quoted treatment cost to account for unexpected extensions or complications.

We strive for full transparency; the treatment plan will outline all major expected medical costs. Unforeseen costs usually only arise if there are complications requiring emergency care or additional medications not in the original protocol.

Yes, we adhere to strict confidentiality protocols. Your medical data is only shared with the specialized medical team at Jinshazhou Hospital involved in your care and is never disclosed to third parties without your explicit consent.

Only the Cancer and Hope case coordinators and the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) of doctors at Jinshazhou Hospital will have access to your records. This ensures that your diagnosis and treatment plan are handled only by authorized professionals.

We comply with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 regarding the collection and transmission of your data. In China, the hospital follows national healthcare privacy regulations to ensure your electronic medical records remain secure.

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting our data privacy officer in writing. Upon request, we will securely archive or delete your personal information from our active systems, subject to legal requirements for medical record retention.

The International Oncology Center is equipped with AI-guided stereotactic radiotherapy systems. The Accuray CyberKnife M6 is a robotic radiosurgery system that tracks tumor movement in real-time — even during respiration — delivering radiation from thousands of angles with sub-millimeter precision. TomoTherapy (Helical Tomotherapy) integrates a linear accelerator with a helical CT scanner for 360-degree focal layer irradiation, maximizing tumor control while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Linear accelerator systems include the Varian TrueBeam and Halcyon, offering advanced image-guided and dose-guided high-speed radiotherapy.

The hospital's Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Oncology offers several options for patients with inoperable tumors. The NanoKnife (Irreversible Electroporation) uses ultra-short, high-voltage electric fields to puncture cancer cell membranes without damaging critical surrounding structures like nerves or bile ducts. Cryoablation (Argon-Helium Knife) freezes tumors to extremely low temperatures to destroy late-stage cancer cells. Thermal and acoustic ablation options include microwave ablation (MWA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and ultrasound-focused knife treatments. Radioactive Seed Implantation uses precise placement of Iodine-125 particles directly into the tumor for localized, sustained radiation.

The hospital's imaging platform includes the Siemens PET-CT (Biograph mCT) and fourth-generation PET-MR for functional and metabolic tumor imaging. Structural imaging is supported by 3.0T MRI, fourth-generation dual-source CT, and the Siemens SOMATOM Confidence four-dimensional large aperture CT simulation positioning machine. Advanced genetic diagnostics are provided by WES and NGS gene testing platforms capable of performing over 2,600 different diagnostic testing projects.

Yes. The hospital's Intelligent Robot-Assisted Surgery Consultation Center is equipped with the Da Vinci Surgical System. This technology allows surgeons to perform highly precise, minimally invasive operations that are significantly less traumatic than traditional open surgery, resulting in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

The hospital provides targeted internal radiation therapies through its expanding nuclear medicine department. Available treatments include Yttrium-90 (90Y) therapy for liver cancer, Strontium-89 (89Sr) therapy for bone tumors, Iodine-131 (131I) therapy for thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism, and Phosphorus-32 application therapy for skin-related diseases.

As a designated 120 Emergency Network Hospital, Jinshazhou Hospital employs advanced life-support systems for severe trauma and critical illness. The ICU features Class 100,000 laminar flow clean wards and negative pressure rooms for high-level infection control. Critical care capabilities include Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), advanced ventilators, and critical care ultrasound. Artificial liver treatment technologies include plasma exchange, bilirubin adsorption, and hemofiltration dialysis.

The Department of Pain Management at Jinshazhou Hospital offers specialized interventions for cancer-related pain, including ozone intervention therapy, neuromodulation, patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), and traditional herbal poultice applications. These are used to address refractory cancer pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and pain from bone metastases — reducing reliance on systemic opioids where possible. For post-treatment rehabilitation, the hospital combines modern robotic-assisted gait training and physical therapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian therapies (acupuncture, tuina, and moxibustion). This integrated rehabilitation pathway is used for patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, and cancer surgery — helping restore mobility and function faster than conventional Western rehabilitation alone.

As a tertiary Class-III general hospital and an affiliate of the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, the hospital utilizes a Parallel Development Model. TCM is not merely an alternative but a foundational component of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach. Every oncology case is reviewed to determine how traditional herbal medicine, acupuncture, and physical therapies can work synergistically with Western modalities like TomoTherapy and CyberKnife.

Integrative Oncology at Jinshazhou Hospital focuses on three core areas: Toxicity Mitigation — reducing systemic side effects of chemotherapy and radiation such as leukopenia, nausea, and radiation dermatitis; Immune Modulation — utilizing 'Fu Zheng' (strengthening the body's resistance) protocols to stabilize the patient's internal environment during aggressive treatments; and Symptom Management — addressing refractory cancer pain and post-surgical fatigue through non-pharmacological traditional interventions.

TCM integration is managed through a joint effort between two departments. The Cancer Comprehensive Medical Department oversees internal herbal medicine and systemic integrative care. The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine provides physical traditional therapies including acupuncture, Tuina (therapeutic massage), and traditional analgesic techniques.

Yes. The International Oncology Center incorporates TCM into personalized clinical pathways for international patients. All TCM interventions are documented in a manner that provides clear clinical validation for the patient's home-country medical records, ensuring continuity of care upon return to the Philippines.

No. In accordance with institutional guidelines and international oncology standards, TCM is utilized strictly as a supportive and rehabilitative therapy — not as a primary treatment. The MDT specialists determine the optimal timing for integrating TCM into the primary Western treatment plan on a case-by-case basis.

The hospital will issue a Medical Certificate of Death immediately. The local Public Security Bureau (PSB) must then verify the death, after which you must notify the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou to begin canceling the passport and issuing a Consular Death Certificate. An official death certificate for international use is issued once both the police and the Consulate have cleared the case.

Families have three options. First, repatriation of the body in a zinc-lined, hermetically sealed casket — this requires embalming by a licensed mortuary and a specialized international funeral director to manage customs and Laissez-passer documentation. Second, local cremation followed by repatriation of the ashes, which is faster, more cost-effective, and the urn can often be carried as hand luggage with the proper Cremation Certificate and Transit Permit. Third, local burial in China — though this is extremely limited, as burials for foreign nationals require designated cemeteries and explicit approval from the Civil Affairs Bureau.

You will need notarized copies of the following: the original passport of the deceased (processed by the Consulate), the hospital's Medical Death Certificate, the Formal Death Certificate from the Public Security Bureau, the Consular Mortuary Certificate from the Philippine Consulate, and either an Embalming Certificate (for body repatriation) or a Cremation Certificate (for ashes).

Families should prepare for a processing time of 7 to 21 days. International paperwork, Embassy coordination, and securing airline 'human remains' cargo slots each take time. Repatriation of ashes is generally faster than body repatriation, as it involves fewer logistical requirements.

If the legal next-of-kin cannot be physically present in China, a notarized Power of Attorney (POA) is required. This authorizes a designated third party — such as a Cancer and Hope coordinator or a trusted person on the ground — to act on behalf of the family in handling all legal and logistical matters related to the remains.

If the patient held travel insurance or an international health insurance policy that includes repatriation coverage, contact the insurer immediately — they often manage the entire logistics chain and associated costs directly. Our coordinators can assist in providing the required documentation to support the insurance claim.

Yes, it is legally possible but extremely limited and rarely pursued. China does not have a widespread network of cemeteries that accept foreign nationals. The process requires: (1) obtaining approval from the local Civil Affairs Bureau, which has full discretion to deny the request; (2) identifying a designated cemetery in Guangzhou or Foshan that is licensed to accept foreign burials — these are few and typically reserved for long-term foreign residents; (3) completing all standard death documentation (Medical Certificate, PSB Confirmation, and Consular Death Certificate from the Philippine Consulate); and (4) coordinating with a licensed local funeral home for embalming and interment. Estimated costs range from $3,000 to $8,000 USD covering the cemetery plot, burial rights, funeral home services, and administrative processing. Note that cemetery plot fees in China are typically for a fixed-term lease (20–50 years) rather than permanent ownership, and ongoing maintenance fees apply. For most Filipino families, this option is chosen only when immediate repatriation is not feasible due to financial or logistical constraints.

Costs vary significantly depending on the method chosen. Body repatriation (casket) is the most expensive option, typically ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 USD — this covers embalming, the zinc-lined casket, funeral director fees, Laissez-passer documentation, and airline cargo freight. Cremation followed by ashes repatriation is far more affordable, generally between $800 and $2,500 USD, covering the crematorium fee, urn, local permits, and a standard airline seat or cargo slot. These figures do not include Philippine funeral home receiving fees or burial costs upon arrival. If the deceased had international travel insurance with a repatriation rider, these costs may be fully or partially covered by the insurer.