Love your lungs: Lung cancer self-monitoring tips and prevention

Lung Health in the Philippines

Our lungs are the unsung heroes of our bodies, working tirelessly to keep us alive. Yet we often take them for granted until it’s too late. But, if we consider how much our bodies and brains depend on oxygen, an unhealthy lung can deeply impact one’s quality of life. 

Right now, lung cancer is one of the most widespread cancers in the Philippines, and one of the most fatal. And it’s all due to the environment we live in and our personal habits. Cigarette smoking is still the top cause of lung cancer, followed by air pollution – which includes both Metro Manila’s everyday air and secondhand smoke. As for vapes, “dispos” and “longs” may look cooler, smell sweeter and seem safer than your tito’s yosi, but there have been reports linking them to lung diseases. They’re too new to be fully studied of course, but those studies are already happening, partly due to patients showing up with lung damage that’s potentially related.

While we can’t always pinpoint the sole reason for lung cancer, we can still manage and track habits that make us more vulnerable. This is your go-to to learn what self-monitoring looks like, and why it could be a game-changer for your health. 

Self-monitoring for early detection and prevention

The earlier you can detect lung issues, the better your health outcome could be. Self-monitoring is about becoming more aware of your health and habits. Think of it as gathering data – on yourself, by you, for you. Paying attention to unusual changes can help you catch potential problems early, possibly before they become serious.

Here are some self-monitoring tips to stay on top of your health:

1. Track your symptoms. Keep a journal or use a health-tracking app to log how often you smoke/ vape, including settings and types of products used. If you notice a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or even mild chest pain, jot down when these symptoms appear. Tracking over time can reveal patterns you might miss otherwise. Apps like My Cancer Coach offer help in logging symptoms and accessing information on lung health.
2. Get your check-ups. Schedule regular check-ups and prioritize them. These visits can include lung function tests, which can help spot early warning signs. You can find health centers in your area using PhilHealth’s directory of accredited hospitals and clinics.
3. Try breathing exercises! Simple exercises like deep breathing or breath-holding can help you gauge lung function. Practicing these exercises regularly may also help improve lung capacity. Try guided breathing techniques through apps like Breathe2Relax.
4. Of course, remember to keep track of your mental health. Physical and mental health are closely linked. Stress and anxiety often drive us to start a habit and make it harder to quit. They can also affect breathing, so monitor your mental well-being as well. Meditation or mental wellness apps like Calm or Headspace are good places to start.

Be cautious! Too much self-monitoring can also lead to medical anxiety. Keep within the balance of keeping yourself healthy while still living fully and not surrounded by fear.

Benefits of self-monitoring

By being proactive, you’re setting yourself up for better health outcomes:

• Early detection. Spotting unusual symptoms early can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment, which can improve recovery chances and give you peace of mind.
• Improved health. Monitoring your habits encourages healthier choices, potentially reducing harm over time.
• Financial planning. Taking care of yourself doesn’t just mean avoiding hospital bills—it can also mean planning for the future. Having critical illness insurance, life insurance and investments from a young age, for instance, can help build financial security and peace of mind for you and your family peace of mind.

For those ready to start self-monitoring, here’s are some tools to make it easier:

• Apps for health tracking: Look into options like CareClinic or Symple for symptom tracking and health journals.
• Awareness of air quality: Be mindful of air quality, especially if you live in areas with pollution or use indoor vapes. Check out the AirVisual app to monitor your local air quality in real time.

Be equipped for surprises

Serious illnesses like heart attack, stroke, and cancer can turn lives upside down, but FWD Big 3 has you covered—from early detection of cancer to late-stage treatment. Another protection, to consider is FWD Set for Health which is specifically designed to cover 42 different critical illnesses, giving you the confidence to face life’s uncertainties. 

For a simple yet versatile plan, FWD The One offers life insurance starting at just PHP330/year, with the option to add critical illness coverage tailored to your lifestyle—perfect for music lovers, gamers, or those prioritizing mental well-being.

All three options are super affordable, easily accessible online, and payable via GCash and other methods.

Be aware, stay healthy

Awareness is power. Our small choices every day can add up and make a big difference years from now. If this article got you thinking, maybe it’s time to check in with a friend or share what you’ve learned.

Health is personal, and so is staying proactive. Let’s look out for ourselves—and each other—starting with the choices we make today.

^Sources:

^{Lung cancer: The deadliest type of cancer in PH
Philippines pollution carries cancer-risk warning
Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke}