The database of two population-based cancer registries (Philippine Cancer Society-Manila Cancer Registry and Department of Health-Rizal Cancer Registry) was used to generate age-standardized incidence rates of cancer during 1980-2002. Five-year relative survival rates were obtained for incident cases from 1993 to 2002 using a period analysis method. Overall incidence had increased in both males and females. Among males, lung cancer was the leading cancer and reached a peak in 1988-92. Colorectal and prostate cancers showed rising trends and became more common than liver cancer, with stable incidence over time. Stomach cancer incidence fell steeply. Among females, there was a steady increase in incidence of breast cancer. There was a slight decrease in the incidence of the second common cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer became equally common. Lung cancer incidence in females also reached a peak by 1998-2002 and then slightly decreased. Oral cavity cancer decreased strongly in the last period. In general, survival rates among Philippine residents were one-third lower than among Filipino-Americans and Whites in the USA especially in cancer sites wherein effective early detection methods may be available such as breast, cervix, colorectal and thyroid cancers. Survival was also lower in Philippine leukemia cases, a disease wherein effective treatment is proven in some types but is quite expensive. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus infections were associated with some incidence patterns. Late stage at diagnosis was largely responsible for low survival.