Cancer continues to pose a substantial global health challenge, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 10 million deaths reported in 2022. In the Philippines, the burden is similarly high, with approximately 190,000 new diagnoses and over 113,000 deaths annually. Radiotherapy (RT) remains a critical component of cancer management, particularly for malignancies such as breast, lung, cervical, and head and neck cancers. However, the effectiveness of RT is highly dependent on strict adherence to prescribed treatment schedules, typically requiring daily sessions over several weeks. Non-compliance—commonly defined as missing two or more treatment sessions—has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including increased risk of disease recurrence, reduced survival rates, and diminished quality of life.
Despite its clinical importance, RT non-compliance remains a significant yet underexplored issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including the Philippines. Existing evidence suggests that systemic, socioeconomic, and institutional barriers contribute substantially to treatment interruptions and delays. In particular, public healthcare facilities face challenges such as limited radiotherapy infrastructure, high patient volumes, prolonged waiting times, and resource constraints. Additionally, patient-related factors—including financial limitations, transportation difficulties, lack of social support, and inadequate health literacy—may further hinder adherence to treatment schedules.
This study aims to examine the predictors of radiotherapy non-compliance in a large public cancer center in the Philippines. By identifying key demographic, clinical, and systemic factors associated with missed RT sessions, the study seeks to provide empirical evidence that can inform targeted interventions to improve treatment adherence. Understanding these predictors is essential for optimizing radiotherapy delivery, enhancing patient outcomes, and strengthening cancer care systems in resource-limited settings