Quezon City, Philippines – In its commitment to eliminate cervical cancer, the Quezon City Government is enhancing its community-based cervical cancer screening program in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and Jhpiego Philippines.
Starting February, free high-performance Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing will be offered to female QCitizens through selected SouthStar Drug outlets and the QC Health Department’s partner organization, Women Workers for Health Empowerment (WHEN).
Participants will have the option to use the testing kit onsite with the assistance of a pharmacist or take it home. Once the sample is returned to the drugstore, it will be sent to a laboratory by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
Women who test positive will receive thermal ablation treatment at the Batasan Lying-in Clinic or Old Balara Health Center. If further examination reveals a lump in the cervix, patients will be referred to a partner hospital for additional care.
Addressing a Deadly Yet Preventable Disease
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Filipino women, claiming 4,380 lives nationwide in 2022, according to the 2022 Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) report. Despite being preventable and curable when detected early, the disease continues to pose a significant health threat.
“This program reflects Quezon City’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding women’s health and well-being. By making cervical cancer screening more accessible and convenient, we are empowering women and enabling a healthier society,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.
The city has allocated P28 million to screen 20,000 women aged 30-49 this year under City Ordinance SP-3285, s.2024, or the Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance (QCICCO). This policy established the country’s first integrated cancer control framework.
Scaling Up Efforts
The HPV DNA testing initiative in pharmacies complements the existing cervical cancer screening services available at health centers and lying-in clinics. Last year, Quezon City screened 16,897 women for cervical cancer and 67,331 for breast cancer.
QCHD personnel and health workers received specialized training under Jhpiego’s Unitaid-funded Scale Up Cervical Cancer Elimination with Secondary Prevention Strategy (SUCCESS) Project.
“The Department of Health (DOH) emphasizes the importance of vaccination for girls aged 9-14 and screening for women aged 30-65 to prevent cervical cancer,” said Dr. Rio Magpantay, Regional Director of the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development. “Quezon City’s initiative aligns with and strengthens the DOH’s national cancer control program.”
Dr. Ramona Asuncion Abarquez, Officer-in-Charge of the Quezon City Health Department, added:
“This launch of community-based cervical cancer screening enhances our Cancer Control Program and makes our efforts more comprehensive.”
Partnership for Women’s Health
Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager for Jhpiego Philippines, praised the program, saying, “This initiative 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.”
SouthStar Drug General Manager Thaddeus Sanchez also lauded the collaboration, stating, “This partnership highlights the power of collaboration. Together, we are creating accessible pathways for women to protect themselves against cervical cancer.”
As part of its broader cancer control strategy, the Quezon City Government is also enhancing its lung cancer screening program, further solidifying its role as a leader in community-based healthcare initiatives.