City eyes task force for cancer patients

The Cebu City government will create a task force to “protect and promote the welfare of persons suffering from cancer” after statistics showed that the number of people with cancer has greatly increased, particularly in 12 barangays of the city.

Such move initiated by Councilor Nestor Archival was welcomed by the members of the Cancer Communities in Metro Cebu who attended the public hearing at the City Council’s session hall yesterday.

Ronald delos Reyes of the Cebu population-based Cancer Registry under the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. presented to the Council the statistics showing that the number of people with cancer from different places in Metro Cebu is increasing since 1988.

He said that 3,779 patients have been treated by different hospitals in the Metro from 2003 to 2007, much higher compared to only 2,732 during the period from 1988 to 1992.

His report mentioned that of the 80 city barangays, those with the most number of cancer cases are Guadalupe, Lahug, Labangon, Mabolo, Pardo, Talamban, Tisa, Punta Princesa, Kamagayan, Calamba, Sambag II, and Tinago.

Delos Reyes said most of these cancer victims are women, but that it is surprising to note that mortality rate in men is higher.

“From 1998 to 2002, Guadalupe had been consistent being on top of the 80 barangays in matters of incidence and mortality,” delos Reyes said. But some councilors were quick to say that it is because Guadalupe is a big barangay and has about 50,000 residents.

Many of those men who died or are still suffering from the illness had been diagnosed to be suffering from cancer in the liver and lungs, while breast and lung cancer for the women.

There were 2,809 persons who died of cancer from 1998-2002 while the incomplete statistics for the four-year period from 2003 to 2007 had already reached 2,174. Delos Reyes said that these figures of the mortality rate will increase once all reports from the hospitals will come in.

Mary Ann Solomon, who represents the members of the Cancer Communities in Metro Cebu, welcomed the move of creating a task force to help them by way of protecting and promoting their welfare.

She was accompanied by around 20 survivors of the Big C when she appeared at the Council yesterday.

Solomon has suggested to the Council to improve the existing city ordinance that regulates smoking in public places; that it should be strictly implemented in malls and even in closed and airconditioned restaurants.

“Do not wait until cancer hits you or your loved ones, act on it now,” Solomon said. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV