BREAST OVERTAKES LUNG AS NO. 1 CANCER SITE IN METRO MANILA AND RIZAL

From: DOH Webpage

In a joint announcement by Department of Health (DOH) secretary Esperanza I. Cabral and Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. (PCSI) chairman Dr. Roberto M. Paterno, breast cancer is now the most common cancer site in terms of incidence in Metro Manila and Rizal and has surpassed lung cancer as the most prevalent cancer.

“This is significant as far as the DOH cancer control program and the PCS advocacy for prevention and early detection as we need to intensify efforts to save our women from this deadly disease,” said Sec. Cabral during the recently-held formal turnover ceremonies of the publication, “Cancer in the Philippines,” as part of the celebration of World Cancer Day (February 4).

For his part, Dr. Paterno said that the Society will enhance its free mammography services and fine needle aspiration biopsy to accommodate more indigent patients. “We shall also boost our education and information activities around the country to teach women on how to early detect breast cancer so that it can be successfully cured,” Paterno added.

Unfortunately, there is no effective detection method for lung cancer. It is usually diagnosed at an incurable stage. Still, lung cancer can be prevented by avoiding tobacco products.

Also, according to the cancer monograph, the top ten cancer sites for both sexes now stands at breast, lung, liver, cervix, colon, thyroid, rectum, ovary, prostate and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In men, the five common cancer sites are lung, liver, prostate, colon and rectum while for females, these are breast, cervix, ovary, thyroid and lung.

These rankings cover the period 1998-2002 and validated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The IARC collects cancer incidence and mortality data from participating countries during five-year periods.

The PCS is a non-stock, non-profit organization with more than fifty years of service in cancer research, education and information for prevention and early detection, patient services, palliative treatment and hospice care. The Society also maintains a free consultation and referral clinic every Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at its main office at 310 San Rafael St., San Miguel, Manila. Other cancer information can be seen at .