Cancer Burden Remains Heavy in the Philippines, Health Agency Urges Screening
The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) has released a sobering report on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, revealing that the burden of cancer continues to weigh heavily on the nation. Based on annual case and death statistics, cancer remains a significant public health challenge that affects thousands of Filipino families each year.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Common Cancers
In its report commemorating World Cancer Day, the PCS detailed that breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most prevalent forms affecting Filipinos. Annually, approximately 27,000 new cases of breast cancer and 7,200 new cases of cervical cancer are detected across the country.
"There are over 150,000 new cancer cases per year in the Philippines," the PCS emphasized, underscoring the scale of the issue. Beyond these common types, lung cancer and liver cancer are particularly deadly, with 21,000 and 11,700 deaths recorded each year, respectively, claiming thousands of lives.
The PCS further noted that cancer is now the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, highlighting its critical impact on national mortality rates and healthcare systems.
PhilHealth Encourages Early Screening and Diagnosis
In response to this heavy burden, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is actively urging the public to undergo cancer screening tests. Through a social media post, the state-run health insurer announced that it offers benefit packages available to all members to facilitate early detection.
"Avail PhilHealth Yakap for regular check-ups and free cancer screening tests, especially if you have risk factors," PhilHealth advised. The agency stressed that early cancer screening can help individuals manage any medical conditions more effectively, potentially saving lives and reducing treatment costs.
"Early diagnosis saves lives and reduces treatment costs," PhilHealth reiterated, promoting proactive health measures among Filipinos.
Comprehensive Screening Packages Available
Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-0014, specific cancer screening packages are covered for the detection of several cancer types, including:
- Breast cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
The covered procedures and their associated costs include:
- Mammograms at P2,610
- Breast ultrasounds at P1,350
- Low-dose chest CT scans at P7,220
- Liver ultrasounds at P960
- Alpha-fetoprotein tests at P1,230
- Colonoscopies at P23,640
This initiative aims to make screening more accessible and affordable, encouraging early intervention to combat the rising cancer rates in the Philippines.
