With nearly seven in ten Filipino women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, health experts are urging wider adoption of self-collection methods for cervical cancer screening.
Physician country program manager of Jhpiego Philippines, described the HPV DNA, a type of molecular assay test, as a “game changer” in the fight against cervical cancer. The test can detect high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which are responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases.
According to her, early detection through this method allows women to begin treatment sooner. Because the test is accessible, even in outreach or remote areas, Magnata believes it has the potential to significantly reduce and eventually eliminate cervical cancer in the country.
“We use self-sampling tests, which is a very, I would say, game-changer as far as cervical cancer screening is concerned, which [allows] women to collect their own specimen at the community level, at the community setting, and we’re removing a major barrier of discomfort or stigma,” Magnata said during the launch of Centralized Laboratory Model for HPV DNA Screening on August 19.
“This setup can enable our women at the community level to really be able to access these services,” she added.
The doctor emphasized the goal of screening at least 70% of women aged 35 to 49 and treating at least 90% of those who tested positive.
She added the importance of vaccinating at least 90% of children aged 9 to 14 against HPV to prevent future cases of cervical cancer.
With HPV DNA testing, women can self-collect samples in under two minutes, with assistance from healthcare providers if needed. The collected samples are then sent to central laboratories for analysis.
“With samples processed through a centralized laboratory using high-throughput PCR, we ensure accuracy and efficiency without requiring a full hospital setup,” Magnata said.
“This makes the model scalable, effective, and easily integrated into local health services—helping more women access life-saving screening,” she added.
Physician Christia Padolina, Navotas City administrator, explained that women would experience less discomfort during self-collection since it does not require the insertion of a speculum.
Moreover, physician Karen See, Quezon City District II health officer and cancer control coordinator, noted that the procedure can be done even in secluded, emphasizing that it does not require a private room or large clinic to perform.
The CLAMS project launched a pilot testing of the HPV DNA in Manila, Quezon City, Navotas, Taguig and Muntinlupa, running over an 18-month period from 2023 to 2024.
Traditionally, pap smears and visual inspection have been the primary methods for detecting cervical and other reproductive health issues in women.
Carmen Auste, chief executive officer of Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc., said that myths and misconceptions about cervical cancer — along with the resulting stigma and discrimination — continue to discourage many women from seeking early treatment.
Meanwhile, Magnata emphasized the need for the country to invest in healthcare equipment to make cervical cancer screening and treatment more accessible to the general public.
“We need to look into the high-performance, or high-performing technology, which [uses] the molecular assay test, the HPV DNA testing procedures, and then link it with treatment,” Magnata said.
Padolina echoed Magnata’s call, saying that improving access to cervical cancer screening and treatment should be viewed as an investment, not an expense.
“I’ve indicated really that what is important is not to look at it as an expense, but as an investment, and therefore somebody has to pay for the health care that we provide,” she added.
For Padolina, strengthening the health systems of local government units is key to ensuring that the programs and facilities aimed at eliminating cervical cancer are accessible.
The second phase of the project targets reaching 10,000 women in Cebu, Davao City and Taguig. It also aims to improve follow-up systems to increase return rates, digitalize health information and expand provider training and treatment capacity for healthcare providers.
According to the HPV Information Centre’s 2023 data, 7,897 Filipino women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and 4,052 deaths are attributed to the disease yearly.