Quezon City, Philippines – Cervical cancer, a disease affecting the cervix, is both preventable and curable when detected early. Despite this, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Filipino women, claiming the lives of more than half of the 8,549 women diagnosed each year amounting to approximately 4,380 deaths.
In response to the urgent need for cervical cancer prevention in the Philippines, Quezon City unveiled a groundbreaking community-based cervical cancer screening program on January 15, 2025, cementing its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health burden. The launch, led by the Quezon City Health Department, was in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), and Jhpiego Philippines through its Unitaid-funded Scale Up Cervical Cancer Elimination with Secondary Prevention Strategy (SUCCESS) Project.
“Today marks a pivotal moment in Quezon City’s commitment to public health as we launch our Community-Based Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Through this program, we aim to ensure that every woman in our community has access to life-saving prevention and early detection services, regardless of her background or circumstances,” said Dr. Ma. Lourdes Eleria, OIC City Health Officer.
The initiative includes the deployment of high-performance HPV DNA testing through self-collection in selected SouthStar Drug outlets and through QCHD’s partner people organization Women Workers for Health Empowerment (WHEN). This model makes cervical cancer screening convenient and accessible. Additionally, through the enactment of the Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance (QCICCO), the city allocated PHP 28 million to screen 20,000 women aged 30-49 years old this year. Quezon City is ensuring that life-saving services reach underserved communities.
As per the Department of Health (DOH), the measures to prevent cervical cancer are: (1) vaccination for girls aged 9-14 and (2) screening for women aged 30-65 years old only. This initiative by Quezon City aligns with and contributes to the Department of Health’s national cancer control program, focusing on improving screening coverage and providing cervical cancer-related information and services in the community.
“Bringing cervical cancer screening closer to women where they live and work is essential. Our partnerships with civil society and private sector organizations ensure that no woman is left behind,” added Dr. Karen See, Cancer Control Coordinator at the Quezon City Health Department.
Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager for Jhpiego Philippines, praised the initiative, stating, “This program represents a critical step in aligning local efforts with global strategies for cervical cancer elimination. It demonstrates how a united effort can transform healthcare delivery.”
Through partnerships with civil society and private sector organizations, the program aims to establish accessible screening services within the community, contributing to the larger goal of eradicating cervical cancer.
“This collaboration highlights the power of partnerships. Together, we are creating accessible pathways for women to protect themselves against cervical cancer,” said Carol Malenab, Corporate Affairs Manager of South Star Drug Inc.
In 2024, Quezon City made history by becoming the first Philippine city to enact an integrated cancer control policy, setting an example for other local governments to follow. With innovative programs, significant investments, and strong partnerships, Quezon City is leading the charge in the fight against cervical cancer.
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For more information, please contact:
Dr. Karen See, Cancer Control Coordinator Quezon City Health Department
8988-4242 local 1607 I cityhealth@quezoncity.gov.ph
Geri Matthew Carretero, Communication & KM Officer, Jhpiego Philippines
geri.carretero@jhpiego.org I 0917 621 6901
Donna Miranda, Project Officer, Cervical Cancer Elimination
donna.miranda@jhpiego.org I 0926 663 5606
