Cervical Cancer Deaths Decline in Davao City

THE number of women who died from cervical cancer in Davao City dropped from 88 in 2023 to 67 in 2024, according to the City Health Office (CHO).

Dr. Sharlene Tan, district health physician at the CHO, shared this update during the ISpeak media forum held on Thursday morning, May 15, 2025, at the City Mayor’s Office.

Despite the decline in deaths, Tan raised concerns over the decreasing number of women getting screened for cervical cancer. In 2023, 7,137 women underwent screening, but only 6,104 did so in 2024.

“Cervical cancer can affect women as young as 20 and as old as 70,” Tan said. “However, most cases occur in women aged 40 to 50.”

She underscored the importance of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine in preventing cervical cancer. The vaccine is free at local health centers for girls aged 9 to 14. Two doses are required, given six months apart.

While the vaccine can still be administered to women aged 15 to 45, the city prioritizes younger girls. Older women are encouraged to seek vaccination at private clinics or hospitals.

Tan said HPV vaccination is part of the CHO’s school-based immunization program for Grade 4 female students. However, turnout has been low despite school and community orientations, mainly because many parents do not attend these sessions. To address this, the CHO is ramping up efforts to encourage vaccination among girls aged 9 to 14.

Dr. Mary Lee Lim, a representative of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), added that men can also receive the HPV vaccine to help prevent virus transmission. However, local government resources remain focused on vaccinating girls within the priority age group.

Lim stressed that cervical cancer is preventable, especially with regular Pap smears and responsible sexual behavior. “Many women delay seeking medical attention, and by the time they do, the cancer is already in its advanced stages,” she said. At that point, treatment options are usually limited to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

To improve early detection, the CHO also offers Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) in community health centers throughout the year. Since Pap smears require a pathologist, VIA provides a more accessible alternative. Positive VIA results are referred to OB-GYN specialists at SPMC for further evaluation.

Tan also reminded the public that cervical cancer is primarily caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. The disease often shows no symptoms in its early stages. Still, possible warning signs may include irregular spotting, bleeding between periods, postmenopausal bleeding, bleeding after sexual intercourse, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

She cautioned, however, that these symptoms do not automatically mean a woman has cervical cancer, as they can also be caused by other medical conditions. RGP