Cervical cancer remains a pressing yet largely preventable health concern in the Philippines, as over 7,800 women suffer from the disease every year.

Each year, approximately 7,897 new cases are diagnosed, and 12 women lose their lives to the disease daily. It ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Filipino women, especially those between the ages of 15 and 44.

In observance of Cervical Cancer Consciousness Month this May, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) renewed its call for stronger action to eliminate cervical cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention in saving lives.

During a recent episode of Tinig ng Kababaihan, PCW’s radio program, Dr. Mary Ann Escalona, Medical Affairs Lead at MSD Philippines, highlighted that cervical cancer affects only women and is primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can be detected early through screening and prevented through timely vaccination.

“Many women are diagnosed only when symptoms are already severe,” Galang-Escalona explained.

“It is often due to limited access to regular checkups and the tendency of women to place their health last while managing everyday responsibilities,” she added.

The health expert also debunked common myths that hinder prevention, such as the belief that wearing clean underwear, using special sanitary napkins, or applying feminine wash can prevent the disease.

“The real solution lies in awareness, vaccination, and early screening,” she stressed.

Survival rates for cervical cancer significantly depend on the stage at diagnosis. Nearly all women diagnosed in the pre-cervical stage survive.

For Stage 1, the survival rate is about 85 percent; for Stage 2, it drops to 65 percent. At Stage 3, it is only 35 percent, and by Stage 4, the five-year survival rate is just 7 percent.

Early detection remains the most effective way to save lives, as Galang-Escalona called for greater empathy and support, noting that the physical, emotional, and financial toll of treatment is painful, costly, and emotionally taxing.

“Victim-blaming only worsens the burden. What women need most is understanding, encouragement, and access to care,” she said.

The Department of Health aligns with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer in the Philippines: 90 percent of girls should be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15; 70 percent of women should undergo screening using a high-performance test by age 35; and 90 percent of women diagnosed with cervical disease should receive appropriate treatment.

PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla, meanwhile, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to making cervical cancer prevention a national priority.

“No woman should die from a disease we already know how to prevent. We must ensure that every Filipina — regardless of age, income, or location — has access to life-saving information, vaccination, and care,” Valdeavilla said.

“A cervical cancer-free future is possible if we act together and act now,” she said.

Across the country, hospitals, barangay health units, and local government partners joined this year’s Cervical Cancer Consciousness Month through free screenings and awareness drives to encourage early detection and informed decision-making.

HPV vaccines are available and can be administered to girls as early as age nine.