Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is pushing for the passage of a bill that aims to reduce cancer deaths among Filipinos through early detection programs.
The measure is titled “Strengthening Cancer Risk Screening, Profiling and Awareness Programs Through the Department of Health, in Partnership with Local Government Units, Barangay Health Workers and Other Stakeholders, and for Other Purposes.”
Romualdez authored House Bill No. 7942, of which Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre is also a principal author.
Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Romualdez said cancer consistently ranks among the top three leading causes of mortality in the country.
“A major factor contributing to this alarming reality is the late diagnosis of cancer cases, which not only reduces survival rates but also imposes severe financial hardship on affected families. Studies reveal that treatment of late-stage cancer can consume more than 30% of a household’s income, often pushing families into financial catastrophe,” he said.
On the other hand, high-income countries report higher cancer incidence but lower mortality due to robust early detection and prevention programs.
“Evidence shows that early detection significantly improves survival rates while reducing overall treatment costs, making it both a life-saving and cost-effective public health strategy,” Romualdez said.
Acidre pointed out that the bill “seeks to institutionalize annual community-based cancer early detection programs through risk profiling, barangay-level screening, and awareness campaigns across municipalities.”
He also proposed strengthening the role of barangay health workers by providing capacity development and training to enable them to effectively assist in cancer prevention, screening promotion, health navigation, and patient support.
“By integrating grassroots health workers into systematic cancer risk detection and awareness efforts, the State fulfills its mandate under the Constitution to protect and promote the right to health, while complementing the objectives of Republic Act No. 11215, or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act,” he emphasized.
Under the proposed Cancer Risk Screening and Awareness Act, the initial coverage of early detection programs includes breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and prostate cancers.
The Department of Health, upon the recommendation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Council, may expand the list.
The DOH, in coordination with local government units, provincial, city, and municipal health offices, barangay health centers, academic institutions, and other concerned agencies, is mandated to establish a comprehensive cancer risk profiling system nationwide.
Subsequently, a municipality- or city-wide cancer risk registry shall be created to record prevalence trends, screening results, and follow-up care. Patient confidentiality shall be strictly observed pursuant to Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The measure also mandates a nationwide information and education campaign on cancer risk factors and lifestyle prevention, early signs and symptoms of cancer, and the importance of early detection and treatment adherence.
