BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Health and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) highlighted the importance of awareness, prevention and early detection in curbing cancer, which remains to be a leading cause of death worldwide.

In a DOH-sponsored media forum, Dr. Janice Bañez of the BGHMC reported that cancer remains as the number two cause of death worldwide. 

Based on the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimate, one in five people globally develop cancer during their lifetime.

In the Philippines, she shared that there were 153,751 new cancer cases recorded in 2020, and the most common for both males and females are breast, lung, colorectal, liver and prostate cancer, respectively. Bañez stressed that cancer is curable and it can be conquered. Early detection can facilitate prompt treatment.

“The common signs and symptoms are unusual bleeding or discharge, change in bowel and bladder habits, a sore that does not heal, nagging cough and hoarseness, decrease in weight, obvious change in mole or wart, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, and thickening or lump. These common signs and symptoms of cancer, if detected early, can save lives,” she said.

For cancer screening tests, Banez explained that there is mammography for breast cancer detection which women 40 years old and above must undergo; fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer which both sexes must take at age 45 and above, and pap smear and HPV test for women  who  are 25 years old and above to screen for cervical cancer.

In terms of prevention, there are preventable causes  of cancer that include tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, heavy alcohol use and sun/ultraviolet radiation exposure.

Banez advised people to avoid smoking, be physically active, maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grain, and low in saturated/trans fat, red and processed meat, and limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk of cancer, and as a general lifestyle recommendation.

Avoid risky behaviors and practice safe sex; protect yourself from the sun like avoiding tanning beds and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and get regular screening for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer, she added. 

The DOH and its partners are strengthening their information and education campaign about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment options in observance of National Cancer Awareness Month this February. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)