Lung Cancer: Risks Factors and Symptoms
Lung cancer in the Philippines has been a significant public health concern. Statistics show that it is one of the country’s highest diagnosed cancer types. People at risk of developing lung cancer include smokers, people exposed to secondhand smoke, and certain environmental toxins such as radon and asbestos.
Statistics of Lung Cancer in the Philippines
According to the Global Cancer Statistics in 2020, lung cancer is the second most predominant cancer site in the country. Men are more likely to develop lung cancer than women, and most cases are diagnosed in people over 60.
Risk Factors
Lung cancer is often associated with smoking. The damaging activity causes about 85-90{5774920af4e7a0d424a9668a6d7bab55a89003501286b0d446e89b9e5ff1f7d1} of lung cancer cases. People who smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars are at a higher risk of developing lung condition thane-cigarette smokers. Additionally, people exposed to secondhand smoke are at significant risk of developing lung cancer even if they do not smoke.
Aside from smoking, environmental toxins such as radon can lead to lung cancer. It is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into residential spaces. Asbestos, a mineral used in construction before the 1980s, is another natural toxin that can damage an individual’s lungs.
Symptoms
Lung cancer has numerous symptoms depending on the stage of the condition and the type of lung cancer. The most common signs of the disease are:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight gain
- Feeling tired all the time
These symptoms may not appear until cancer has reached an advanced stage, making early detection and diagnosis challenging.
Lung cancer is a nationwide health concern for the Philippines. With consistently high cases and the prevalence of smoking in the country, Filipinos must educate themselves about the risks and symptoms of lung cancer. This can help them to detect the condition early on and improve the chances of treatment.
Learn everything you need to know about lung cancer in the Philippines. Read this infographic by Hope From Within, a cancer treatment assistance provider in the country.
