Lung cancer is the second-most prevalent
cancer in the Philippines, bringing about nearly 17,000 fatalities among
Filipinos in 2020. This is
likely due to the very large smoking population - 28% or 17.3 million Filipinos
over 15 years old are smokers.
According to the Philippine Cancer Society,
lung cancer does not stay contained to the lungs. “Lung cancer could also
spread through the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body, such as the
lymph nodes, and can metastasize in vital organs,” said Cardinal Santos Medical
Center’s (CSMC) Section Head of Pulmonary Medicine and Lung Cancer expert, Dr. Percival
P. Pangilinan.
Unfortunately, some signs and symptoms of lung
cancer do not show at an early stage, making it hard to detect until the cancer
is advanced. The main symptoms of lung cancer can include a long-term cough
that worsens over time, persistent breathlessness, tiredness or fatigue, and
coughing up blood.
“The most common cause of lung cancer is, of
course, smoking,” said Dr. Pangilinan. “But some lung cancer patients develop
cancer despite not being smokers. In cases like those, it is likely due to
their environment. Perhaps they have family members or loved ones who smoke,
which means they are exposed to secondhand smoke, which is just as deadly.”
While smoking is the primary cause of the
disease, there are other ways one can contract lung cancer. Exposure to radon,
a colorless, odorless radioactive gas which occurs naturally in soil, is the
second leading cause of lung cancer. Moreover, exposure to hazardous industrial
compounds like asbestos, arsenic, and petroleum products, as well as exhaust
fumes and vehicular pollution, may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
So, what can be done in order to prevent lung
cancer?
According to Dr. Pangilinan, “The best way to
prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking in the first place. And if you are
already smoking, I urge you to quit for the sake of your health, as well as the
health of the people around you.”
Additionally, certain lifestyle choices can
also help lower the risk of developing the disease. Consume foods rich in
antioxidants, such as berries, dark-green leafy vegetables, oats, and fish.
Being physically fit and active can also strengthen the body and protect it.
Finally, it is important to get regular
checkups and cancer screenings at a medical institution. CSMC’s Pulmonary
Institute - Center for Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine aims to provide
patients who experience pulmonary diseases with comprehensive, state-of-the-art
medical services. The hospital also offers treatments and services for other
pulmonary diseases, such as pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis
and others.
“I highly encourage patients to visit CSMC if
they would like an assessment of their lung health,” said Dr. Pangilinan. “We
are glad to share our expert advice and quality care so that you will be able
to live the best life you possibly can.”
For more information about the programs and
services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also
on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.
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