Cancer is one of the most common causes of death all around the world. It affects both men and women. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released a new report stating that the global cancer burden is expected to reach 18.1 million new cases and recorded 9.6 million deaths in 2018.
There are several factors why there is a growing cancer burden. It includes aging and population growth. But also included is the increasing occurrence of several causes of cancer connected to social and economic factors. According to the IARC, it’s particularly true, especially in rapidly growing economies. There’s an observable shift from cancers associated with infections and poverty to cancers linked to the lifestyles of individuals from industrialized countries.
Based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, one out of ten deaths in the country is from cancer. The Philippine Cancer Society Inc. (PCSI) also reported 91% of people aged 35 years and above, have the most occurrence of cancer. The PCSI also mentioned that females have a higher incidence of cancer than males. It is because of the increasing breast cancer statistics Philippines.
In this article, we will focus on the types of cancer in the Philippines most prevalent in Filipino men.
The following are the most common types of cancer more likely to occur to Filipino men.
Common Types of Cancer in the Philippines Among Men
1. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the colon or rectum. This type of cancer is the third most common cancer in the Philippines for men. The Filipino community holds the lowest screening rates for colorectal cancer all over the world. It also has the second poorest five-year survival rates for rectal and colon cancers of all U.S ethnic groups. It falls second to the American Indians.
Some factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer include being obese or overweight, a diet high in processed and red meat, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol intake, smoking, aging, and family or personal history of polyps or cancer.
Most cases of colorectal cancer begin with a polyp. It is a tiny growth on the lining of the rectum or colon. This disease is treatable if detected early. Thus, screening plays an important role. However, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. More than 27,000 men lose their lives because of colorectal cancer.
2. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer among Asian American men. Filipino men have the highest death and incidence rates of this type of cancer. The higher incidence rate is also associated with the increasing prevalence of prostate specific-antigen testing (PSA testing).
Getting prostate cancer is a leading cancer risk for men – not only for Filipinos but all over the world. Usually, most cases of prostate cancer are detected in men ages 65 and above.
There are higher risks of having prostate cancer if the person has a family history or one or more close relatives have the disease.
When it comes to prevention, men can choose to take the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. A digital rectal examination can also be a part of the screening. The PSA level, preferences, values, and general health of an individual is the basis of how often he should be tested.
3. Lung Cancer
Filipino men experience various health problems, and one of them is lung cancer. It is one of the leading cancers in the Philippines, ranking in the top 10. Filipino men have the second highest incidence rate and hold the highest death rate among other Asian males. The high mortality rate of Filipino men can be associated with the intensity and duration of smoking.
This disease is often the result of being exposed to particles and chemicals in the air. Smoking is one of the leading causes of this disease. The best way to reduce the risk of having this disease is to quit smoking or to never start this unhealthy habit. However, not all people diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers. Some can be quitters, and some may have never smoked at all.
Unfortunately, not all lung cancers can be prevented. The good thing is, there are various ways you can lower your risk. If you’re not a smoker, don’t start. Also, as much as possible, stay away from people who are smoking to avoid breathing in their smoke.
4. Liver Cancer
Basing on the incidence and mortality rate, liver cancer ranks fifth for Filipino men among other Pacific Islander and Asian American men. The incidence rate of Filipino men is 12.2% higher than white men, a group that only has a 6.7% incidence rate. The mortality rate of Filipino men is also higher, at 11.3% , while white men have a mortality rate of 6.1%.
Cancer in the Philippines: Prevention
The best way to lower the risk of getting cancer is to know how to prevent it. We prepared a list of some helpful prevention tips you can do to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Do not use tobacco products. They have been associated with many types of cancer, including mouth, esophageal, bladder, cervical, throat, breast, colorectal, and lung. Take note that secondhand smokers are also at risk.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Include vegetables, beans, fruits, and whole-grain in your diet. Cut out processed food and limit red meat if possible. It’s also essential to limit alcohol consumption as it increases the risk of breast, colorectal, and liver cancer.
- Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Give yourself at least 30 minutes of exercise and physical activity each day. It will make a huge difference in your overall health and well-being. Obesity and inactivity have been linked to colorectal, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancer.
Cancer in the Philippines: Conclusion
Cancer is one of the four lifestyle-related diseases (LDRs) or epidemic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. Cancer in the Philippines affects both men and women. That’s why both should be proactive on how to prevent and lower the risk of having cancer. Always keep in mind that prevention is better than cure.
Read Also:
9 Lung Cancer Symptoms to Watch Out For
7 Early Warning Signs of Testicular Cancer
Everything You Need to Know About the Chemotherapy Process
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
