DOH aims to reduce cancer-related deaths

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) will put up more oncology centers in key cities across the country to reduce deaths from cancer by two percent annually.

More than 82,000 Filipinos contracted cancer in 2010, according to the DOH.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona yesterday said they are working to minimize deaths from cancer by combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The oncology centers will be established in Metro Manila, Tuguegarao, Naga City, Davao City, Zamboanga City and Cagayan de Oro City.

Another center will be put up in Iloilo or Bacolod and in northern Mindanao and eastern Visayas.

“There has been a steady increase in cancer cases. The latest information shows that it is predicted to record something like 85,000 new cases annually in both males and females, and the number will likely double within the next decade,” Ona said.

To curb the rising trend, the DOH has partnered with pharmaceutical giant Novartis Healthcare Philippines Inc., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) and the Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion.

Dubbed “Oncourage,” the program aims to raise public awareness about the disease.

To attain the two percent reduction in cancer deaths, the DOH has intensified the fight against NCDs through the waist circumference reduction program “Belly Gud,” anti-smoking advocacy and “Pilipinas Go4Health,” a national healthy lifestyle movement that encourages people to observe proper diet and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

The DOH has expanded its immunization program by including vaccination against human papilloma virus, which is associated with liver cancer.

According to PSMO president Felycette Gay Lapus, cancer is the third leading cause of death in the Philippines.

Lapus said the most common types of cancer among Filipinos are breast, lung, colon, liver, rectum and cervix.

She said the risk factors for cancer are smoking, viral infections, obesity, alcohol intake and radiation exposure.

To fight the disease, Lapus advised the public to watch out for its warning signs, maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek early treatment.