Cardiovascular diseases, cancer still top killers in Baguio

Cardiovascular illnesses and cancer continue to be the top causes of death in the city, according to the mortality data of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) from January to September this year.

Cardiovascular diseases ranked first accounting for 502 deaths or a morbidity rate of 130.17 per 100,000 population for the said period.

Cancer came in second with 273 reported deaths and a rate of 70.79 per 100,000.

These ailments were also the top causes of death in the city in 2023 and 2024.

For the latest 2025 statistics, respiratory diseases such as pneumonia is the third leading cause with 99 deaths and a rate of 25.67 per 100,000. Cases of cerebrovascular disease ranked fourth (92 cases; 23.86 per 100,000) and heart diseases, while lower this year, remain a concern with 82 deaths (21.26 per 100,000).

The 2025 data showed emerging concerns like increased deaths linked to suicide and nicotine-related diseases.

Completing the top ten leading causes in 2025 are diabetes mellitus with 78 deaths (20.23 per 100,000); accident and trauma, 58 deaths (15.04 per 100,000); kidney disease with 50 deaths (12.97 per 100,000); suicide, 33 deaths (8.56 per 100,000); nicotine-related diseases with 28 deaths (7.26 per 100,000).

In 2024, vascular diseases accounted for 464 deaths or a rate of 121.84 per 100,000 population. Cancer caused 323 deaths (84.82 per 100,000) while heart diseases led to 218 deaths (57.24 per 100,000).

The other leading causes of death for 2024 were pneumonia, 147 deaths (38.6 per 100,000); diabetes mellitus, 89 deaths (23.07 per 100,000); kidney disease, 80 deaths (21.01 per 100,000); accident and trauma, 63 deaths (16.54 per 100,000) sepsis, 41 deaths (10.77 per 100,000); COPD, 32 deaths (8.4 per 100,000); tuberculosis (all forms), 31 deaths (8.14 per 100,000).The top ten mortality causes in 2023 were: cardiovascular diseases, 519 deaths and the highest rate of 137.454 per 100,000 population; cancer, 317 deaths (83.956 per 100,000); heart disease, 224 deaths (59.325 per 100,000); pneumonia, 202 deaths (53.499 per 100,000); diabetes mellitus, 82 deaths (21.717 per 100,000); kidney disease, 82 deaths (21.717 per 100,000); accident and trauma, 56 deaths (14.831 per 100,000); Alzheimer’s Disease, 55 deaths (11.388 per 100,000); COPD, 43 deaths (11.123 per 100,000); and sepsis, 42 deaths (11.123 per 100,000).

With mortality patterns showing little change, Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular screenings and seek early medical consultation for chronic or worsening symptoms.

He said the city government through the CHSO under City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes continues to enhance public health services to strengthen cardiovascular health programs, cancer detection efforts, respiratory illness management, diabetes control initiatives, and mental health services to address these health problems. – Aileen P. Refuerzo