The House of Representatives has unanimously approved on final reading a bill establishing specialized care services in select hospitals across all regions based on the prevalence and burden of disease.
Issued fifteen years ago, Proclamation 1676 mandated that every fourth week of April each year must be observed as the Head and Neck Cancer Consciousness Week.
(File photo courtesy of World Health Organization) MANILA Cancer is now the third leading cause of death nationwide, with lung cancer ranking number one in mortality. Dr. Rosario Pitargue,Philippine Society of Medical Oncology president, noted there are 184 cases diagnosed in 100,000 patients and that 96 deaths related to cancer are reported daily. "In terms of death, lung [cancer], it would be followed by liver, breast, colon and prostate," she said during a media form on the sidelines of the National Cancer Summit on Friday. Healthy Pilipinas co-convener Ralph Degollacion said environment is a contributor to cancer diagnosis, and it includes smoking, alcoholic intake, poor diet, and lack of physical activities. When it comes to cancer diagnosis, Cancer Coalition Philippines vice president Carmen Auste said there are hindrances which come from the patients themselves, the medical field, and the government. "Natatakot tayo magpa-check up dahil ang pakiramdam po kadalas