BAGUIO CITY – Health authorities underscored the importance of women’s health to reduce their susceptibility to cancer and cardiovascular diseases following the roll out of the annual celebration of women’s month.
Recent reports from the Cordillera office of the Department of Health (DOH-CAR), experts said that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women in the region followed closely by pneumonia, various forms of cancer, acute myocardial infarction, essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular accidents commonly known as strokes, chronic diseases, and kidney disease, in that order. This data sheds light on the prevalent health concerns faced by women in the region.
The DOH-CAR has released a comprehensive guide aimed at helping women lower their risk of heart diseases and cancer. The guidelines highlight important steps such as abstaining from smoking, managing a healthy weight, staying physically active, consuming a balanced diet, ensuring quality sleep, effectively handling stress, and undergoing regular screenings for specific heart disease and cancer risk factors. Which was shown by Ms. Jocelyn A. Loquio, a midwife VI of DOH-CAR.
Based on the data provided by the Philippine Cancer Registry and the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases affect 43.11 out of every 1000 females in the Philippines, while a total of 180.6 out of every 100,000 females are diagnosed with cancer. These statistics underscore the significant impact of both cardiovascular diseases and cancer on the female population in the Philippines, highlighting the urgent need for public health interventions and awareness campaigns to address these health challenges.
This initiative by the DOH-CAR aims to raise awareness and empower women in the region to take proactive measures in safeguarding their health. By educating the public on these essential strategies, the department hopes to significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and cancer among women. By Joy Anne M. Palaoag
