ILOILO City – The most common types of cancer in Western Visayas are breast, colon, and lung cancer, affecting both men and women, data from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 showed.
In observance of National Cancer Awareness Month and World Cancer Day (February 4), DOH-6 is advocating early screening and regular check-ups at Rural Health Units (RHUs) and hospitals to prevent and detect cancer at an early stage.
DOH-6 aims to curb the severity of cancer cases, as cancer ranked third in both mortality and morbidity rates in Western Visayas in 2023.
Early detection significantly improves survival rates compared to cases diagnosed at a later stage, said Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali, Medical Officer IV and head of the Integrated Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Program at DOH-6.
“Many people avoid check-ups if they do not feel any symptoms, but it is essential to undergo regular screenings rather than waiting for signs and symptoms of cancer to appear,” Gayomali told Panay News.
Recognizing the Signs of Cancer
Common signs and symptoms of cancer include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, persistent pain, frequent illnesses, changes in skin appearance, alterations in bowel and bladder habits, chronic cough, unusual bleeding, difficulty swallowing, lumps in the body, and abnormalities in the mouth or throat.
Gayomali stressed that individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately to be referred to specialists or apex hospitals for further screening.
Free Screening and Treatment
DOH-6 clarified that early cancer screening is available for free at RHUs and accredited hospitals, including Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Cancer screening services offered at RHUs and hospitals include ultrasound, mammogram, and HIV tests as part of the PhilHealth Konsulta Package.
If a patient is diagnosed with cancer, PhilHealth’s Z Benefit Package can cover treatment costs at hospitals like WVMC.
The PhilHealth Z Benefit Package is designed to provide financial protection for patients with serious illnesses requiring extensive medical care. It covers conditions such as cancer, renal failure, and congenital anomalies, reducing the financial burden on affected families.
Prevalent Cancer Types in Western Visayas
For breast cancer, DOH-6 is strengthening breast cancer screening initiatives, including self-examinations and check-ups at RHUs.
Cervical cancer detection is also being prioritized due to its ease of early identification at the community level.
While colon and lung cancers rank among the top three most prevalent types, they require more advanced diagnostic procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is costly for government-run mass screenings.
“For colon cancer, we have screening programs in RHUs and hospitals, but since these tests are highly specific, we prioritize targeted screenings rather than population-wide testing. The same applies to lung cancer, which requires MRI for accurate diagnosis rather than a simple X-ray,” Gayomali explained.
Reducing Cancer Risks
Gayomali highlighted that modifying lifestyle factors can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Avoiding smoking is crucial, as it is a leading cause of mouth, throat, and lung cancer.
Additionally, limiting alcohol consumption reduces the risk of liver, breast, and colon cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also vital, as obesity increases the likelihood of developing breast, cervical, endometrial, and colon cancer.
“To maintain a healthy weight, people should adopt a balanced diet rich in vegetables, engage in regular physical activity, prevent human papillomavirus infection, minimize exposure to air pollution, and protect themselves from occupational hazards,” Gayomali said.
For individuals with a family history of cancer, early detection is key to effective treatment, as late-stage cancer is more difficult to manage.
Strengthening Cancer Screening in RHUs
As part of its Cancer Awareness Month initiatives, DOH-6 is intensifying capacity-building programs for RHU and local government unit (LGU) personnel to enhance early screening efforts.
In addition, DOH-6 conducts annual training sessions for medical specialists, including OB-GYNs, internists, surgeons, and other practitioners, to improve their skills in cancer detection and treatment.
With these initiatives, DOH-6 continues to push for proactive cancer prevention and early intervention measures to reduce the burden of the disease in Western Visayas./PN
