The Department of Health (DOH) has approved HPV DNA testing as a new, less invasive method for cervical cancer screening in the Philippines, marking a significant advancement over the traditional Pap smear. The longstanding Pap test, developed in 1941, relies on collecting cervical cells using a speculum and brush—a process many women find uncomfortable.
The approval follows a recommendation from the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC), which confirmed that HPV DNA testing meets the World Health Organization’s minimum performance standards. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, in an official DOH circular, affirmed the reliability of HTAC’s positive endorsement.
Unlike Pap smears, HPV DNA tests can detect high-risk human papillomavirus infections before they develop into cancer, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis. This can lead to timely treatment, saving more lives and reducing strain on healthcare resources.
Dr. Christia Padolina, Navotas City Administrator, emphasized that “awareness is the first step” toward cervical cancer prevention, adding that the availability of easily accessible self-sampling in community health centers could increase screening uptake without overwhelming healthcare systems.
High-risk HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. However, screening rates remain alarmingly low in the Philippines, with less than one percent of women undergoing regular tests due to limited coverage, lack of awareness, and healthcare constraints.
The Centralized Laboratory Model for HPV DNA Screening (CLAMS) pilot project, conducted from 2023 to 2024 in Manila and four other Metro Manila cities, demonstrated the effectiveness of a hub-and-spoke system. Women can self-collect samples that are sent to central laboratories for accurate PCR-based testing. The model also includes point-of-care treatment for precancerous lesions.
Dr. Ingrid Magnata, country program manager at Jhpiego Philippines, highlighted self-sampling as “a game changer” that reduces discomfort and stigma while ensuring scalable, efficient, and accurate screening integrated into local health services.
Cervical cancer remains a major health challenge in the Philippines, with 68 percent of diagnosed women dying within a year due to late detection and poor access to timely care. Nearly 75 percent of cases are identified at advanced stages, where treatment is less effective.
The successful CLAMS pilot involved close collaboration between local governments, health departments, and Jhpiego, paving the way for expanded nationwide use of HPV DNA testing to help eliminate cervical cancer in the country.
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