Smoke from cigarettes, vehicles, and other types of pollution and chemicals…

Although some people have become used to inhaling these, many do not know that these are causes of lung cancer.

This November, we are observing Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which began in 1995 in the United States.

Its goal is to educate the public.

Due to the rapid increase in cases worldwide, it has now become a focus for the World Health Organization and other organizations.

According to research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2020, an estimated 1.8 million people around the world died from lung cancer, and 80-90% of these cases are due to smoking.

Thus, under the leadership of the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippines has various programs focused on reducing lung cancer cases.

One of these is the ‘Smoking Cessation Program,’ which helps smokers quit their habit.

Here, free consultation and counseling are provided to guide them in quitting.

Other measures include enforcing the “Clean Air Act,” which aims to protect the Philippines’ air quality.

Under this law, industries that emit harmful chemicals causing air pollution are strictly prohibited.

Companies are required to have proper filtration systems to ensure safe air for everyone.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder to give attention to the health of our lungs.

So, let’s take care of our bodies and avoid habits and activities that put our health at risk.

**VALERIE ANN DISMAYA