TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite (PIA) — The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) has noted that an individual’s economic situation and lifestyle choices may help prevent the risk of developing cancer.
Speaking at a media forum hosted by the Department of Health (DOH) last November 27, Romeo Marcaida, Operations Manager, warned that an individual’s lifestyle such as unhealthy food choices and lack of physical activity increases their risk of developing cancer.
“But the profile of vulnerability depends on the individual’s lifestyle, especially those who have no time to exercise and eat street food. Most of the 50 percent are in the low income population, but this data can be biased,” Marcaida said.
While a patient’s economic situation—specifically their ability to afford fresh and nutritious food—does contribute to various cancer risks, he cautioned that this should not be the only factor patients consider.
“Actually, the vulnerability for most cancer risk factors can be seen among the poor not only here in the Philippines, but in other countries as well. We have data that many of our poor kababayans are availing the patient admission program of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).”
According to 2022 data from the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan), breast and lung cancers are the top cancer cases in the Philippines, recording 33,079 cases and 23,728 cases, respectively.
“About half of the cancer deaths are attributed to potentially quantifiable risk factors. This disease [can be attributed] to lifestyle factors and about 51 percent of these cases are potentially avoidable,” said Marcaida.
He added, “Around one-third (35%) of cancer cases are preventable, meaning they can be prevented through medical intervention such as vaccines or screenings. Another 42% are potentially avoidable through a combination of medicine and lifestyle changes.”
Access to health services, such as annual screenings and tests may also help in early cancer detection and treatment, according to Marcaida. (PB-PIA4A)