The Department of Health (DOH), together with the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, observes the week long observance of the Head and Neck Consciousness Week based on Presidential Proclamation 1676. This event aims to increase public awareness on the cancer of the head and neck region (includes oral cavity, nasopharynx, larynx, thyroid) and to promote primary prevention, screening or early detection and optimal treatment and care.

According to the 2015 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates by the Philippine Cancer Society and DOH, there are about 12,150 new cases, ranking head and neck cancer as number 3 next to lung and breast cancer.

Studies consistently showed that tobacco use and alcohol consumption greatly increase the risk of developing a head and neck cancer. HPV infection which is sexually transmitted is now emerging as one of the causes of head and neck cancer.

Smoking cigarettes is the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancer. In fact, eighty-five percent (85%) of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and the amount of tobacco use may affect diagnosis. Even secondhand smoke can increase a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said:

“Cancer is currently the second leading killer of Filipinos next to ischemic heart disease based on 2016 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. With the signing of the Universal Health Care Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, we will be able to protect Filipinos from the catastrophic impact of cancer through enabling a health system that can provide comprehensive cancer prevention and care.”

The Department of Health is also actively advocating for higher excise taxes on sin products such as cigarettes and alcohol. This will not only help fund the Universal Health Care Act, but more importantly this is a measure that will protect Filipinos from cancers caused by smoking and alcohol drinking.”

The proposed sin tax reform seeks to increase the excise tax of cigarettes to at least PhP 60.00 per pack and at least PhP 40 per liter for fermented liquors and distilled spirits and allow us to reach our NCD target for 2022. The DOH and its health partners are hopeful that these pro-health rates will be passed into law this 17th Congress.

Cancer prevention and control begins with the establishment of a strong primary health care systems which enables prevention, early diagnosis and prompt and rational treatment and care, coupled with the social safety net which provides sufficient financial coverage and protection from catastrophic costs associated with cancer care.