Kalinga logs 28 cancer-related deaths in first half of 2026; OPHO urges early screening

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) has urged residents to undergo cancer screening and seek early medical consultation, after data showed that cancer-related diseases ranked as the third leading cause of death in Kalinga in the first half of 2026, with 28 recorded cases.

The OPHO issued the call through Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator Frances Reggie Ramirez, who represented Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ed Tandingan during the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk organized by the Kalinga Cancer Care Ministry Inc. (KCCMI) on October 24, 2026.

According to OPHO data, neoplasms, which include cancers, accounted for 28 deaths from January to June 2026, making them the province’s third leading cause of death during the period.

Ramirez emphasized the importance of early detection, encouraging residents to undergo screening and consult a physician if they notice unusual changes in their bodies.

For breast cancer, she advised women to conduct breast self-examinations to check for unusual lumps and immediately seek medical attention if they notice abnormalities.

She added that residents can also access cancer screening services at rural health units (RHUs) and through physicians trained to conduct the procedures.

“Isu nga ien-encourage tayo daytoy tapnu haan nga dumanon nga ma-detect dan tun nga stage 1,2,3 or 4 nga cancer. So early detection and screening ket importante and adda met dagitoy RHUs nga mabalin tayo pagkamangan ken adda met dagitoy doctors nga mabalin mangkita ken datayo,” she said.

The OPHO participated in the event as part of its continuing support for KCCMI, a nonprofit organization that assists cancer patients, survivors, and their families in Kalinga.

Ramirez also commended the organization for its work, noting that the Department of Health recognized KCCMI during an event in Baguio City as the only cancer support organization among the provinces in the Cordillera region.