Presidential Proclamation 1676 focuses on the rising number of cases of head and neck cancer in the country. The proclamation calls for greater public awareness, for prompt diagnosis, correct management and early prevention. It declares the fourth week of April and every year thereafter as Head and Neck Consciousness Week with the observance to be led by the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology of the Department of Health (DOH).
The 2005 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates of the Philippine Cancer Society of the DOH showed that there were 12,150 new cases, ranking neck and head cancer as number three next to lung and breast. This increase is brought about by exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, pollution, smoking and alcohol, and improper nutrition.
The observance of Head and Neck Consciousness Week is a call for implementation of an intensive information dissemination campaign regarding the prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of head and Neck Cancer and prevent social effects. (OPS/PIA/ESS)
