Cancer continues to be one of the most serious public health concerns in Baguio City, consistently ranking as the second leading cause of death among residents, according to data from the City Health Services Office (CHSO).
Recent records show that the most common incident cancers in the city have slightly shifted over the past three years. In 2023, lung, breast, and brain cancers were the most reported. In 2024, breast, lung, and blood-related (hematologic) cancers topped the list. By 2025, breast cancer remained the most common, followed by blood-related and lung cancers.
From 2018 to 2025, Baguio City recorded a total of 3,216 cancer cases. The highest number was reported in 2025, with 593 cases, translating to an incidence rate of 153.77 per 100,000 population. Health officials noted that the sharp increase in reported cases after 2018 may be attributed to improved screening, reporting systems, and data collection across the city.
Mortality data further show a steady rise in reported cancer deaths, from 317 in 2023 to 330 in 2025, reinforcing cancer’s position as the second leading cause of death, next only to cardiovascular diseases.
An epidemiological analysis for 2025 highlighted the significant impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the working-age population (ages 30–70). Premature NCD deaths accounted for 30.09 percent of all recorded deaths in the city. Of these, 39.44 percent were due to cancer.
To address this, the CHSO continues to encourage residents to take part in regular health check-ups, cancer screening programs, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, emphasizing that early detection and prevention remain key in reducing the burden of cancer.
The CHSO said the City has reinforced its commitment to cancer prevention and treatment through the legalization of the Baguio City Integrated Cancer Control Program under the Local Integrated Cancer Care Ordinance of 2024.
The ordinance institutionalizes a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cancer care, expanding access to early detection, treatment, and patient support services for Baguio residents.
As part of the program, cancer screening services for breast and cervical cancer are now available in all 16 District Health Centers across the city. Health officials emphasized that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
To further strengthen specialized care, a dedicated Cancer Care Clinic has been established at the CHSO located at T. Alonzo Street. The clinic is staffed by medical oncologists who hold consultations every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., providing accessible expert care closer to the community.
In terms of financial support, cancer patients may access assistance through the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) and the Cancer and Supportive-Palliative Medicines Access Program (CSPMAP) at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). These programs aim to ease the financial burden of treatment and ensure patients receive necessary medicines and supportive care.
Public health officials continue to remind residents to stay vigilant and monitor four major warning signs of cancer: rapid weight loss, persistent fatigue, unexplained body pain, and unusual lumps. Early consultation with health professionals is strongly encouraged when any of these symptoms are observed.
Prevention remains a key pillar of the city’s cancer control strategy. Health authorities promote the “Three Steps” toward cancer prevention: maintaining a proper diet, engaging in regular exercise, and practicing discipline by avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
