Perpetual Succour Hospital Launches Lung Health Forum Amid Rising Smoking and Vaping Risks

In line with Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Perpetual Succour Hospital's Cebu Cancer Institute, together with its Section of Pulmonology, organized a public forum titled "Breathe Right, Live Bright: A Lung Health Awareness Lay Forum" on November 21, 2025. The event took place at the lobby of the Our Mother of Perpetual Succour Specialty Center.

The forum aimed to educate attendees on lung cancer prevention and the health hazards associated with smoking and vaping. Key topics included the risks posed by tobacco and vaping products, methods for quitting smoking, and factors contributing to lung cancer susceptibility.

Pulmonologists and oncology specialists shared insights on how smoking and vaping contribute to the growing incidence of lung diseases. They emphasized the benefits of early prevention, regular screening, and lifestyle modifications to reduce health risks.

To further support public health, the hospital offered free pulmonary function tests (spirometry) for the first 50 participants who met any of the following criteria: individuals experiencing persistent cough, current or former smokers with a history of at least one pack per day for 10 years, and adults aged 40 and above.

Medical experts urged the community to cease smoking and exercise caution with vaping products, citing emerging evidence of serious health consequences linked to both habits. Dr. Ellie May Belarmino Villegas, a medical oncologist, encouraged non-smokers to refrain from starting the habit and advised current smokers to quit, highlighting the clear health benefits of cessation. Dr. Villegas further stressed the critical role of healthy lifestyle choices in disease prevention.

Pulmonologist Dr. Merci Angelie Uy raised concerns about new lung-related illnesses associated with vaping. She noted that some patients who have never smoked traditional tobacco but have a history of vaping are now being diagnosed with sinus and lung cancers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Junjie Zuasula recommended participation in Tobacco Cessation Programs as an effective strategy to combat nicotine dependence.

This initiative reflects Perpetual Succour Hospital's commitment to raising awareness about lung health and promoting preventative measures against respiratory diseases.