Pollution is among causes of lung cancer, DOH chief warns

Farmers till their land amid thick smog in Taguig City. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) will work with other government agencies in order to have a “healthy Metro Manila,” and the agency believes that pollution is one of the causes of various health problems, including cancer.

“The DOH will coordinate with government agencies like the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Education (DepEd), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Interior and Local Government (DILG) to make our country, especially Metro Manila where there is too much pollution, a healthier place to live in,” Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona said during a press briefing on Thursday.

“We will also work closely with the private sector,” he added.

According to him, pollution is one of the contributory causes of lung cancer.

“Cancer of the lungs is often associated with smoking but there are many other so-called environmental factors like pollution that causes it,” Ona said.

On Wednesday, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago informed the public about her Stage 4 lung cancer and that she has been set to undergo treatment.

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