EARLY TREATMENT. Dr. Hellarose Mendoza-Elisterio, spokesperson for the Antique Medical Society (AMS) and Philippine College of Chest Physicians Northwest Panay Chapter, calls patients with symptoms of lung cancer to seek early treatment for a better chance of survival. In a virtual press conference on Thursday (Aug. 17, 2023), she said lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-attributable deaths in the Philippines. (PNA photo courtesy of AMS/ PCCPNPC)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Antique medical experts urged patients suspected of having lung cancer to seek early treatment for a better chance of survival as this is the number one cause of cancer-related mortality in the Philippines."
In a virtual conference on Thursday, Dr. Hellarose Mendoza-Elisterio, spokesperson for the Antique Medical Society (AMS) and Philippine College of Chest Physicians Northwest Panay Chapter (PCCPNPC), said they advocate for early detection towards becoming cancer-free this National Lung Month.
Elisterio said patients experiencing cough for several weeks, spitting blood, sudden weight loss, and non-resolving infection should visit their rural health units (RHUs) or private doctors for consultation and screening.
“In Antique, we already have CT (computed tomography) scan and chemotherapy,” she said. The CT scan could help detect the nodule on the lung while chemotherapy is a cancer treatment.
Among the risk factors are smoking, family history, and exposure to occupational hazards.
She added that they continue to advise smokers to quit smoking or vaping, the number one risk factor for lung cancer due to the presence of carcinogenic chemicals.
Meanwhile, the AMS and PCCPNPC will have their “Walk for Tuberculosis” and lay forum on “No to Tobacco and Vape Smoking” at the San Jose de Buenavista Esplanade on Aug. 19, and at the Hamtic RHU on Aug. 24.
The Walk for Tuberculosis will gather medical practitioners from Antique, while the lay forum will be attended by tricycle drivers and other community folks to raise their awareness about the disease. (PNA)
