According to the Philippine Cancer Society’ Inc.’s (PCSI) population-based cancer registry, there are about 31 Filipino males out of 100,000 diagnosed with lung cancer every year. In the same report, about 10 men out of the same population will suffer from prostate cancer. In recent years, these statistics translate into an estimated 13,273 lung cancer and 4,254 prostate cancer patients in the Philippines.

In an interview with PCSI executive director Dr. Rachael Rosario, she said that, “One of the best gifts to give fathers is a long and healthy life without cancer. A father is usually the breadwinner in the family. When this pillar of the household gets cancer, the entire family suffers, not only financially, but also emotionally and spiritually.”

Lung cancer and smoking

Dr. Rosario reminds fathers, and men in general, of the need to ensure a cancer-free lifestyle by proactively reducing cancer risks. “Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths. Unfortunately, there is no effective early detection method for lung cancer. This means that patients are often diagnosed at an incurable stage,” said Dr. Rosario.

She further explained that 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke. Thus, while it is difficult to treat lung cancer, it can be simply prevented by not smoking or staying away from smokers.

For those who smoke and are at greater risk, a medical consultation should be an urgent task especially in the presence of the following symptoms:

• • A nagging cough
• • Hoarseness
• • Bloody or rust colored sputum
• • Fever without a known cause
• • Recurring infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• • Shortness of breath
• • Chest pains aggravated by deep breathing
• • Onset of wheezing
• • Weight loss or loss of appetite

Screening for Prostate cancer

Another type of cancer that afflicts Filipinos is prostate cancer, Dr. Rosario said. The problem with prostate cancer is that there are no symptoms. “Again, just like lung cancer, prostate cancer is usually detected during its late stage. The key to long-term survival for prostate cancer is early detection,” she added.

“Early prostate cancer is usually detected through digital rectal examination (DRE) or the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test for men over 50 years old, especially if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family,” said Dr. Rosario.

Advanced prostate cancer can manifest as difficulty in urinating, blood in the urine, impotence, pain in the pelvis, spine and ribs. When these symptoms occur, further medical tests should be checked for prostate cancer.

Doctor’s Advice

Dr. Rosario stressed that reducing the risk factors while maintaining the best possible health is always a better option for a fatal and expensive disease such as cancer. A healthy lifestyle program, jointly supported by the Society and the Department of Health, may also prevent stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. The program calls for:

• • Stop smoking or stay away from smokers
• • Eat a nutritious and balanced diet
• • Increase physical activity
• • Manage stress
• • Refrain from drinking alcohol
• • Avoid use of illegal drugs

The Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. will provide free clinic for prostate cancer screening, including consultation, digital rectal examination, PSA and ultrasound in celebration of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this June with its advocacy partner for education and information, the C-Network. The PCSI Clinic will be open on June 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and is located at 310 San Rafael Street, San Miguel, Manila.

(Dr. Rachael Marie B. Rosario, DPHA, is the executive director of the PCSI. She is also coordinator for special projects of the Supportive, Palliative and Hospice Unit at UP-PGH where she also holds the position of Associate Clinical Professor at the UP College of Medicine. A 30-year cancer survivor, Dr. Rosario is pain consultant at San Juan de Dios Hospital and is project director of ChildHaus (QC General Hospital) and Munting Paraiso (UP-PGH), two cancer support groups for pediatric cancer patients.)