Cancer Control Program
Philippine Cancer Control Program
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.
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Cancer Consciousness Week - January 14-20, 2008
Cancer is a major public health threat worldwide. It is a killer disease when not detected early and poses burden on patient, families, communities, sectors of the society and the national development of the country. Every year, 6 million worldwide suffer with cancer pain. Every year, about 200,000 Filipinos suffer from cancer pain in spite of the availability of well established, simple and cost effective methods of cancer pain relief.
Cancer ranks the 3rd consistenly in the ten leading causes of mortality. It is common in all age groups and both sexes with the highest number of deaths among males (Philippine Health Statistics-DOH, 1999-2003).
Cancer or Malignant Neoplasms
Cancer is largely considered a lifestyle-related disease. Many chemical, biological, radioactive, and other naturally occurring and synthetic substances, as well as predisposing factors and high-risk behaviors like smoking, diet, sexual activity, pollution and occupational exposure have been linked to cancer.
Many different types of cancers have been identified. In the Philippines, the most common sites of reported deaths from cancer are the trachea, bronchus and lung (8.4 deaths per 100,000 population), breast (4.4 per 100,000) and leukemia (2.9 per 100,000). Among males, the leading sites are the lungs, prostate, colorectal area and liver. Among females, the leading sites are the breast, uterus, cervix and lungs. Among children, the leading cancers are the leukemias and lymphomas.
