The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) has issued a serious warning about the rapidly increasing threat of colorectal cancer across the nation.
Sharp Increase in Cases Documented
During a media conference organized by the Department of Health (DOH) in Tagaytay City on Friday, November 28, 2025, PCS Operations Manager Romeo Marcaida expressed deep concern over the dramatic rise in cases observed since 2010.
Data reveals that colorectal cancer, with 20,736 recorded cases, now ranks as the third most common cancer in the Philippines as of 2022. It follows breast cancer (33,079 cases) and lung cancer (23,728 cases).
Marcaida highlighted the alarming growth trajectory, noting that reported cases jumped significantly from approximately 5,000 in 2010 to around 9,700 in just five years by 2015.
Search for Causes and Call to Action
Officials admit that the precise reasons behind this surge remain unclear. Major factors under investigation include environmental influences, dietary habits, genetic predisposition, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, trends also observed in other countries.
Marcaida emphasized the urgent need for greater attention from both the government and health advocates. He pointed out that colorectal cancer receives comparatively little public discussion and lacks a robust, dedicated national health program to address its prevention and treatment.
The call is clear: stakeholders must prioritize this growing health crisis to curb its impact on Filipino communities.
