Quezon City Launches Free Cervical Cancer Screening to Boost Women’s Health

In a significant move to enhance women’s health, Quezon City has introduced a free cervical cancer screening program across its health centers and clinics. Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the critical role of early detection in combating cervical cancer, a disease that, despite being preventable and treatable, ranks high among cancers affecting Filipino women. The mayor expressed the city’s dedication to improving women’s health through accessible screening, aiming to foster a healthier community. The initiative is backed by the 2022 Global Cancer Observatory report, which identifies cervical cancer as the fourth most common cancer globally and third in the Philippines, with significant numbers of new cases and deaths reported annually. In partnership with the Department of Health and Jhpiego Philippines, the city has rolled out a free HPV DNA testing program starting February, available at selected SouthStar Drug outlets and through the Women Workers for Health Empowerment. Women have the option to collect samples at home or with the help of pharmacists on-site, with samples analyzed by the Philippine Business for Social Progress. Positive cases will be directed to health centers for treatment, with further referrals if needed. The city has committed PHP28 million to screen 20,000 women aged 30 to 49 in 2025, following a year where over 16,000 women were screened for cervical cancer and 67,000 for breast cancer. For further details, residents can reach out to the QC Health Department.