Cancer and the Philippine Cancer Control Program Corazon A. Ngelangel1 and Edward H. M. Wang2, + Author Affiliations 1Department of Medicine, University of the Phil-Phil General Hospital and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Department of Health and 2Cancer Institute, Philippine General Hospital and Department of Orthopaedics, University of the Phil-Phil General Hospital, Manila, Philippines Next Section Abstract Cancer is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. Leading cancer sites/types are lung, breast, cervix, liver, colon and rectum, prostate, stomach, oral cavity, ovary and leukemia. There is at present a low cancer prevention consciousness and most cancer patients seek consultation only at advanced stages. Cancer survival rates are relatively low. The Philippine Cancer Control Program, begun in 1988, is an integrated approach utilizing primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in different regions of the country at both hospital and community levels. Six lead cancers (lung, breast, liver, cervix, oral cavity, colon and rectum) are discussed. Features peculiar to the Philippines are described; and their causation and prevention are discussed. A recent assessment revealed shortcomings in the Cancer Control Program and urgent recommendations were made to reverse the anticipated ‘cancer epidemic’. There is also today in place a Community-based Cancer Care Network which seeks to develop a network of self-sufficient communities sharing responsibility for cancer care and control in the country. Key words Philippines – cancer – Philippine Cancer Control Program In the Philippines, cancer ranks third in leading causes of morbidity and mortality after communicable diseases and cardiovascular diseases (Department of Health–Health Intelligence Service or DOH–HIS, 1992, 1996) (1). Over the period 1942–96, communicable disease mortality has shown a gradually decreasing trend, in contrast to the increasing trends of heart disease and cancer (non-communicable diseases). In the Philippines, 75% of all cancers occur after age 50 years, and only about 3% occur at age 14 years and below. If the current low cancer prevention consciousness persists, it is estimated that for every 1800 Filipinos, one will develop cancer annually. At present, most Filipino cancer patients seek medical advice only when symptomatic or at advanced stages: for every two new cancer cases diagnosed annually, one will die within the year. The Philippine Cancer Control Program, begun in 1988, is an integrated approach utilizing primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in different regions of the country at both hospital and community levels. Six leading cancers (lung, breast, liver, cervix, oral cavity, colon and rectum) are discussed. Previous SectionNext Section CANCER STATISTICS What can we do? Marilu Neri Custer Incidence by Cancer Site
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:35:41 +0000
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