Lung cancer now No. 3 killer of Filipino women

Lung cancer is fast becoming the leading killer of Filipino women because of the growing popularity of smoking among them, health experts said yesterday.

Dr. George Eufemio, president of the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), said the lungs are now the third leading cancer site for women based on the "2005 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates."

He noted that in a similar survey conducted in 1998, lung cancer was the 10th leading cause of death among Filipino women.

"We have a big problem (regarding) cancer in the Philippines... lung cancer is now No. 3. This is because more and more young ladies are smoking," he told a press conference at the Department of Health (DOH) offices in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

As the country observes "National Cancer Consciousness Week" from Jan. 16 to 22, the DOH called on every Filipino to shift to a healthy lifestyle.

Citing the 2005 survey, Eufemio said breast cancer is still the leading type of cancer among women, followed by cervical cancer.

He added lung cancer is the leading killer of Filipino men, followed by cancer of the liver and prostate, respectively.

Last year, the PCS estimated that around 17,000 new cancer cases had surfaced and almost 4,000 of them involved women. The disease claimed around 16,000 lives during the same period.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said cancer deaths can be prevented if cancer cells are detected and treated early and properly.

He added that Filipinos are becoming more prone to developing cancer because of unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles.

Duque advised the public to exercise regularly, eat fruits and vegetables, and avoid grilled and fried foods as well as cigarettes.

He said many children are falling ill from leukemia or cancer of the blood because of their increased exposure to chemicals and radioactive substances in the environment.

"We are paying very dearly for the advances in technology. It causes some sort of abnormalities in the cells," Duque said.