Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related deaths for both genders. It is also the leading cancer for both sexes in the Philippines – the top cancer for males and third for females.

Each year, more than 1.2 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer and bronchial cancer worldwide. More than 1.1 million people do not survive the disease each year.

The Philippine Cancer Society certified that in recent years, approximately 17,238 new local cases were diagnosed annually. Median survival is 6 months, and the 5-year survival rate is only 5.28%. The greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer is smoking, which can be attributed to nine out of 10 lung cancer cases.

The level of risk is affected by the length of time one has smoked and the quantity smoked.  A person who smoked two packs per day for 20 years is eight times more likely to develop lung cancer than someone who smoked only one pack per day for 40 years. Non-smokers are also at risk. Spouses of smokers have a 25% chance of developing the disease, whereas co-workers of smokers exhibited an increased risk of 17%.

High mortality is also attributed to the fact that lung cancer is one of the cancers that are only discovered on their late stages. It is thus important that those belonging to the high-risk group (smokers and cancer patients who have a risk of metastases) be wary of the symptoms.

Is Pop Culture Also to Blame?
A film that took an acerbic look at the cigarette industry and lobbying also showed that pop culture can be utilized negatively in promoting this nasty habit.  This was demonstrated when the lead character in the film poured abundant resources into making a “move star” smoke to influence moviegoers on the habit. It is no wonder that until now, a lot of people still associate smoking with “being cool”.
 
Campaigning Against Image over Health?
Traditional anti-smoking campaigns also bank on giving warnings on health risks for the individual. But based on a study (?can we find a study to show this)  smokers may relate more to the ill effects of smoking on their looks rather than on their health.
This means that a smoker may think twice about their smoking habit to prevent premature aging and wrinkles, than exposing oneself to a higher risk of a disease.

So, will it be more effective to tell smokers that instead of looking like the 2007 version of James Dean, (do you know of a newer model on smoking?) smoking can give you age spots and make you look shriveled like an ancient “anito” or a walking mummified corpse?  Somehow, we can only hope that the new “fad” towards healthier lifestyles that celebrities are now endorsing may partly boost the campaign against smoking. Time will tell.

In the meantime, various government and non-government organizations persevere in providing accurate and the latest information on the disease, diagnostics and therapeutics.  The C Network, which works hand in hand with the Department of Health, the Philippine Cancer Society, and relevant medical and patient groups, continues to strive for better and deeper understanding of the disease. Free lectures which are open to the public are regularly scheduled to keep people abreast on a holistic approach to the lung cancer menace.