By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – Lung cancer remains the most common cancer ailments among Filipino men, according to the Department of Health (DOH) said. The agency has urged the public to observe a more healthy lifestyle to prevent the disease.
The DOH said lung cancer accounts for one in every five cases, citing the Global Cancer Observatory study in 2022. The ailment accounted for 23,728 new cases and 20,953 deaths reported in 2022. Breast cancer, however, ranked first with 33,079 cases and 11,857 deaths while colorectum cancer ranked third with 20,736 cases and 10,692 deaths.
Health experts noted that late diagnosis and difficulty of treatment of late-stage cases are the major reasons for the high mortality rate for lung cancer. As part of the Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, the DOH said lung cancer is largely preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection.
DOH has reiterated its call to Filipinos to avoid and do away with smoking and vaping, which are identified as the leading risk factors for lung cancer. Over the weekend, the agency pushed for the nationwide total ban on vape products that are “misleadingly advertised” as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.
It also encourages Filipinos to adopt a nutritious diet, engage in regular physical activity, and seek medical screening if symptoms appear.
Lung cancer’s key warning signs that require immediate medical attention include persistent cough, coughing up blood, breathing difficulty, Lchest tightness or pain, recurrent lung infections and sudden weight loss. Meanwhile, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Inc. said the Z Benefit package for lung cancer is in the pipeline.
Lung cancer patients, however, may avail of the benefit packages for chemotherapy. (PNA)