'Some jobs expose workers to cancer risk'

MANILA, Philippines - A cancer expert from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) has warned that some occupations may place workers at risk of developing cancer.

Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, former chairperson of the UP-PGH’s Cancer Institute, said those working in mining may develop cancer because of the chemicals that they use in separating the minerals from soil.

A similar threat goes to those exposed to toxic chemicals like asbestos and lead, rugby and fertilizer.

Llave said tobacco also contains “carcinogens,” putting at risk the tobacco farmers and those working in cigarette factories. 

“Prolonged and cumulative exposures… to environmental and occupational carcinogens is not good for anyone.  Cancer is now the third leading killer of Filipinos,” she said.

She underscored the need for all sectors concerned in cancer prevention and treatment to “move as one” especially since the number of cancer cases is increasing in the Philippines and other developing countries.

“New cancer risks in developing world are growing while previously existing risks remain prominent… Cancer control, prevention and early detection (are) less established in developing world,” Llave added.

She said there are also challenges in cancer control are exacerbated by various factors, including “inadequate health systems infrastructure, scarcity of specialized skills, high diagnostic and treatment costs, inability to provide lengthy and complex personalized treatment regimens and follow-up care.”

Llave said cancer is preventable only if the public will learn to observe healthy lifestyle and undergo appropriate vaccinations.

She said cancer is also treatable only if diagnosed early and treated properly, as she underscored the need to increase investments in fighting the disease.