Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels usually caused by fatty deposits that build up and block arteries and result in an increased risk of blood clots. In other cases, they are caused by damage in the arteries of organs like the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. CVDs are the #1 cause of death in the Philippines and in the rest of the world. Examples of CVDs include:

• Ischaemic or coronary heart disease – narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart, often leading to heart attacks
• Cerebrovascular diseases – disorders affecting blood flow to the brain, like stroke
• Rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart valves caused by rheumatic fever, often following untreated infections
• Congenital heart disease – structural heart defects present at birth
• Peripheral artery disease – reduced blood flow to limbs due to narrowed arteries

Cancers are a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can invade nearby tissues and, in more severe cases, spread to other parts of the body. It can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and unhealthy lifestyle factors. Over 30% of cancers are preventable. Cancers are also curable when detected early through screening and treatment. The top 5 most frequent cancers among Filipinos include:  

• Breast – Most prevalent in women (33,079 new cases, 2022)
• Lung – Most prevalent in men (23,728 new cases, 2022)
• Colorectum – (20,736 new cases, 2022)
• Liver – (12,544 new cases, 2022)
• Prostate – (9764 new cases, 2022)

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Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. It occurs either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps glucose enter cells for energy), or because the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage. The three main types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes – An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence.
• Type 2 Diabetes – The most common type, often linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight, physical inactivity, and poor diet. The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
• Gestational Diabetes – Occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are long-term conditions that affect the airways and other structures of the lungs, making it difficult for a person to breathe normally. These diseases are typically progressive, not fully curable, and often require ongoing management. Common types of CRDs include:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – a group of lung diseases (like emphysema and chronic bronchitis) that block airflow and make breathing difficult.
• Asthma – a condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, often triggered by allergens or irritants.
• Pulmonary fibrosis – scarring of lung tissue that leads to stiff lungs and breathing difficulties.
• Occupational lung diseases – caused by prolonged exposure to harmful substances at work, such as dust, chemicals, or fumes.

Mental health is a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. 

Mental health conditions are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, emotions, mood, behavior, or ability to relate to others and function in daily life and can range in severity and may be temporary or long-term. They can be caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. They include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among others, that often require professional care such as counseling, therapy, medication, or a combination of these.

Neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that can affect movement, communication, cognition, and body functions. These are medical conditions often caused by structural, biochemical, or electrical abnormalities in the nervous system. Examples of neurological disorders include epilepsy, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease that are typically managed with neurological care, including medication, rehabilitation, and support services.