Cancer. The word alone can feel frightening. But here is something important to hold on to: for most cancers, the earlier it is found, the better the chances of successful treatment — and in many cases, a full cure. This guide is not here to scare you. It's here to give you the knowledge to protect yourself and the people you love.
Most Common Cancers in the Philippines
According to the Philippine Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the top cancers affecting Filipinos are:
- Breast cancer — the most common cancer in Filipino women
- Lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer death in Filipino men
- Colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer — rising in both sexes
- Cervical cancer — the second most common cancer in Filipino women
- Liver cancer — closely linked to Hepatitis B, which is highly prevalent in the Philippines
- Prostate cancer — the second most common cancer in Filipino men
- Thyroid cancer — more common in women, often highly treatable
Why Early Detection Saves Lives
Cancer screening means looking for cancer before symptoms appear. It works because most cancers begin as small, localised changes that are highly treatable — but if left undetected, they can grow and spread to other organs (metastasise), making treatment far more challenging.
The difference in outcomes is stark:
- Breast cancer: When caught at Stage 1, the 5-year survival rate is over 95%. At Stage 4, it drops to roughly 28%.
- Colorectal cancer: Found at Stage 1, survival rates exceed 90%. Found at Stage 4, below 15%.
- Cervical cancer: Detected at the pre-cancerous (CIN) stage, it is almost 100% preventable through treatment.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Filipino women. Fortunately, it is also one of the most detectable with regular screening.
Who should screen: All women aged 40 and above. Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer (especially first-degree relatives) should discuss starting earlier — at 30 or even younger.
How to screen:
- Monthly self-exam: Check both breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape, nipple changes, or skin dimpling. Do this 7–10 days after your period.
- Clinical breast exam: By a physician, every 1–3 years in your 20s–30s; annually from 40 onwards.
- Mammogram: Annual screening mammogram starting at 40. For high-risk women, a breast MRI may also be recommended.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is almost entirely caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This is important because it means the disease is largely preventable — through HPV vaccination and regular Pap smear screening.
Who should screen: All women who are or have been sexually active, starting at age 21.
Screening schedule:
- Pap smear alone: Every 3 years from age 21–65 if results are normal
- Pap smear + HPV co-testing: Every 5 years from age 30–65 if results are normal
- After 65 with consistently normal results: Discuss with your doctor whether to stop
HPV vaccination: The HPV vaccine protects against the strains that cause 70–90% of cervical cancers. It is most effective before sexual activity begins, but women up to age 45 can still benefit. Talk to your OB-GYN about getting vaccinated.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer rates are rising in the Philippines, largely due to dietary changes — lower fibre, more processed meat, and less physical activity. The good news is that it almost always starts as a benign polyp that can be removed before it becomes cancer.
Who should screen: Adults starting at age 45, or earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
Screening options:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): Stool sample test done annually
- Colonoscopy: The gold standard — examines the entire colon. If normal, repeat every 10 years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Every 5 years, checks the lower colon only
- CT colonography: Non-invasive CT scan of the colon; every 5 years
Liver Cancer
The Philippines has one of the highest rates of Hepatitis B infection in Southeast Asia — and chronic Hepatitis B is the most significant risk factor for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Liver cirrhosis from any cause also raises the risk substantially.
Who should screen: Adults with chronic Hepatitis B or C, liver cirrhosis, or a family history of liver cancer.
How to screen: Liver ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test every 6 months. If you haven't been tested for Hepatitis B, ask your doctor for a simple blood test.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the Philippines. Most cases are linked to tobacco smoking, though non-smokers can also develop it. The challenge with lung cancer is that symptoms often don't appear until the disease is advanced.
Who should screen: Adults aged 50–80 who have a history of heavy smoking (20 pack-years or more) and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
How to screen: Annual low-dose CT scan (LDCT) of the chest. This is the only lung cancer screening method proven to reduce mortality.
The most important thing you can do: If you smoke, stopping — even now — dramatically reduces your lung cancer risk. Chong Hua Hospital has smoking cessation programmes to help.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Filipino men. It typically grows slowly, and many men with prostate cancer live long, healthy lives — especially when it is detected early.
Who should screen: Men aged 50 and above should discuss PSA testing with their doctor. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or of African or Filipino descent may want to discuss starting at 40–45.
Screening method: PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE). PSA screening is a shared decision — discuss the pros and cons with your urologist or internist.
Warning Signs Not to Ignore
While screening catches cancers before symptoms appear, knowing the warning signs helps you act quickly if something feels wrong:
- Unexplained weight loss (more than 5 kg without trying)
- Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Unusual bleeding — from any orifice, including blood in the stool or urine
- A lump or thickening anywhere in the body
- A cough or hoarseness that won't go away after 3 weeks
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- A sore that doesn't heal
- Changes in a mole or new skin growth
Screening Schedule at a Glance
| Cancer | Who | Start Age | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast | Women | 40 (30 if family Hx) | Annual | Mammogram + clinical exam |
| Cervical | Women (sexually active) | 21 | Every 3–5 yrs | Pap smear ± HPV test |
| Colorectal | Men & Women | 45 | Annual FOBT / 10-yr colonoscopy | FOBT, colonoscopy |
| Liver | High-risk (Hep B/C, cirrhosis) | At diagnosis | Every 6 months | Ultrasound + AFP |
| Lung | Heavy smokers 50–80 | 50 | Annual | Low-dose CT |
| Prostate | Men | 50 (40 if family Hx) | Annual (discuss with MD) | PSA + DRE |