In Davao Region, the mortality rate due to cancer increased to an average of 1,300 deaths annually since year 2000.
Lung cancer comprises 33 percent of all cancer cases in the region followed closely by breast cancer with 26 percent. Incidents of liver, cervical, colon, prostate, stomach, and blood cancer have continually risen in the region.
This particular rise of incidents is attributed to several factors such as smoking, stressful environments, and ultraviolet rays. These factors cause genetic mutations that eventually result in cancer.
Best cure
DOH regional director Paulyn Rosell-Ubial in a press conference said prevention is the best cure against cancer.
Ubial said living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to avert the disease.
A proper diet, together with regular exercise, and enough rest, would minimize the possibility of contracting cancer.
The region is now capable of handling cases of cancer as DOH-Southern Mindanao boasts of its four medical oncologists, three gynecologic oncologists, and two radiation oncologists.
Next week, DOH-Southern Mindanao, together with other regional offices of the department, will be celebrating the 33rd National Cancer Consciousness Week.
Themed "Winning the Cancer Challenge through a Healthy Lifestyle," the event aims to further disseminate information on how to prevent and detect cancer.
With the acronym "Caution Us," DOH-Southern Mindanao gave the guidelines on how to detect cancer in its early stage: C - change in bowel or bladder habits; A - sore that does not heal; U - unusual bleeding; T - Thickening or lump in the breast; I - indigestion or difficulty of swallowing; O - obvious change in wart or mole; N - nagging cough or hoarseness; U - unexplained anemia; and S - sudden unexplained weight loss.
DOH-Southern Mindanao advised the public that should any of the following symptoms arise they should seek immediate medical attention.
