The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) has emphasized that refraining from smoking tobacco remains the most effective way to prevent lung cancer.
DOH CLCHD Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster Senior Health Program Officer Agnes Alipio revealed that 69 percent of lung cancer deaths are directly linked to tobacco smoking.
“A person who smokes has a high risk of developing lung cancer. Whether currently smoking or having smoked in the past, there is still a risk of developing lung cancer,” she stressed.
In addition, Alipio underscored the dangers of secondhand smoke, noting that non-smokers exposed to cigarette smoke—especially those living with smokers—are also at an increased risk of lung cancer.
However, aside from tobacco smoke, DOH CLCHD outlined other contributing factors that can elevate lung cancer risk.
Alipio pointed out that individuals previously diagnosed with cancer, such as lymphoma, bladder cancer, or head and neck cancer, have a 3.5 percent increased risk of developing lung cancer.
She added that occupational hazards, including exposure to harmful substances like arsenic, chromium, asbestos, nickel, cadmium, beryllium, silica, diesel fumes, coal smoke, and radon, can also heighten the risk.
Moreover, Alipio noted that a family history of lung cancer, particularly in first-degree relatives such as parents or siblings, also significantly raises one’s risk.
“Also, lung comorbid illness like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); if you are diagnosed with COPD, bronchiectasis, asthma, or emphysema, you also have a risk of developing lung cancer,” she stated.
Given these, DOH CLCHD also emphasized primary and secondary prevention measures to reduce lung cancer incidence, in addition to avoiding tobacco smoke.
Alipio explained that primary prevention focuses on reducing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyle choices to prevent the disease from developing in the first place.
This includes adopting a healthy lifestyle by staying physically active and maintaining a balanced diet.
In public health initiatives, these measures include enforcing smoking cessation programs, creating smoke-free environments, implementing tobacco control policies, addressing occupational hazards, and reducing air pollution levels.
Secondary prevention, on the other hand, involves early detection through screening, particularly for individuals at high risk.
Alipio underscored that early screening can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and improve outcomes.
“Early treatment can prevent lung cancer from worsening and spreading to other parts of the body. That’s why screening is crucial for early detection. It is very advantageous to undergo screening early so that patients can receive appropriate intervention, rather than waiting until they are already in the advanced stage when they consult health practitioners,” she elaborated.
DOH CLCHD highlighted Low Dose Chest CT-scan (LDCT) as the only imaging modality recommended for lung cancer screening.
As such, individuals at risk are encouraged to visit the nearest health center offering LDCT screening services in their area. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)