Officials of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Bicol have called on the public to reduce cancer risks and undergo routine screening as the nation marked National Cancer Awareness Month.
In a press conference held Feb. 5, 2026 at Lotus Blu Hotel in Legazpi City, OIC-Regional Director Rosa Maria Rempillo said that there is a need to strengthen advocacy on cancer awareness due to the rising number of cancer cases.
She stressed that early detection and treatment of cancer lead to higher survival rates.
The DOH-CHB Bicol chief also appealed for more blood donations among Bicolanos, preferably every 45 days, noting the low supply of blood available at blood centers at a time when frequent road accidents mean more blood is needed.
Cancer Control Program Regional Coordinator Julie Granadino bared that data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) stated that cancer is now the 2nd biggest cause of mortality among Filipinos, with 22,637 deaths recorded from January to September 2025 alone.
In 2023, there were 3,174 deaths from cancer of all forms in the Bicol region, she added.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of morbidity due to cancer, followed by lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and prostate cancer.
She appealed to Bicolano women 30 years old and above to practice self-breast examination every month about 7 to 10 days after their period.
Among the warning signs of cancer or the uncontrolled growth of cells, which multiply and become malignant, are: a change in bowel or bladder habits; a sore that does not heal; unusual bleeding and discharge; thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere; indigestion or difficulty swallowing; obvious change in wart or mole; nagging cough or hoarseness in voice; unexplained pain, anemia and fatigue; and sudden weight loss.
Those who observe these signs should immediately consult their doctor or the nearest Rural Health Unit, which could refer them to specialty government hospitals.
Aside from self-examination, breast cancer can be detected through mammography or ultrasound while cervical cancer, which has no symptoms, can be determined by visual inspection via acetic acid, Pap smear, or Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA testing.
On the other hand, prostate cancer is detected through digital rectal exam or Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, Granadino reported, with colorectal cancer examined through a colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
The DOH Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) provides financial support to cancer patients, covering diagnostic tests and laboratory services, therapeutic services and procedures, prevention and screening services, she informed.
It allocates P150,000 per eligible patient, renewable on the succeeding year, and covers cancer patients, survivors, and individuals at high risk for cancer.
In 2025, a total budget of P140 million was made available for the Bicol region, benefitting a total of 5.828 patients including those who availed of the CAF in 2024.
Rural Health Units can refer suspect cancer cases to the two CAF Access Sites in the region: the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) and the Bicol Medical Center (BMC).
Established through Republic Act 11215, also known as the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, the fund is designed to complement existing financial support mechanisms in public and private facilities.
Under the guidelines, the eight (8) identified priority cancer types eligible to be financed by the CAF include breast cancer, childhood cancer, gynecologic cancer, liver cancer, adult blood cancers, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, and prostate, renal, and urinary bladder cancers.
To apply for the assistance, the patients or their families must present medical abstracts, doctor’s prescriptions, and treatment plans at the designated hospitals to initiate the application for assistance.
In 2025, the national government allocated ₱3 billion for the Cancer Control Program, which includes the CAF, significantly increasing the available resources compared to previous years.
Also included in the program is the Cancer and Supportive-Palliative Medicines Access Program (CSMAP) which provides free cancer medicines not covered by PhilHealth.