DOH U Know that regular physical activity reduces the risk of kidney, bladder, breast, colon, stomach, and endometrial (uterus) cancer by 20%?
This is one of the health tidbits that keynote guest and Field Implementation and Coordination Team of North Luzon (FICT-NL) Department of Health (Philippines) Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag shared during the dance fitness activity held by the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center to culminate National Cancer Awareness Month on February 27, 2023.
Tayag added that cancer is no longer considered a death sentence, encouraging everyone to engage in a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate or 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity everyday to experience the benefits of exercise.
The dance event was followed by a press conference at the BGHMC Cancer Center, where center head Dr. Kimberley Ubando and BGHMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Ricardo Runez Jr. shared the various services offered by the institute as one of the premier cancer service providers in North Luzon, ranging from preventive to palliative care.
DOH-Cordillera Regional Director Dr. Rio Magpantay emphasized the importance of ensuring that basic preventive services reach all areas and sectors of society.
“Oo nga’t sinasabi natin na meron tayong mga programa tungkol sa screening pero ito po ba ay nalalaman ng mga tao sa mga GIDA areas? Paano po ba sila magiging aware sa mga ganitong sitwasyon? ‘Yun po ang Universal Health Care,” said Magpantay.
Dr. Anthony Cu, Director IV of FICT-NL, enjoined the public to adopt healthy habits to help prevent cancer, which includes eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining an active lifestyle, and ceasing or avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking and unsafe sexual practices.
