Faces of Death in the Philippines: Diseases

Diseases are an inescapable part of human life. The severity of each disease varies, leaving different impacts on one’s health. While some can be cured, others are still on the verge of being understood and therefore as still untreatable. Sadly, while we relentlessly wait for treatment, these diseases continuously leave thousands of people needing the service of funeral homes in the Philippines.

As such, it is important to gather every detail we can get to prevent these diseases. According to World Health Organization (WHO), cause-of-death statistics help authorities determine which diseases the public health sector should focus on. By merely knowing the extent of impact of a certain disease, it helps increase our chances of survival.

With that said, let’s take a look at the leading death-causing diseases in the Philippines based on Department of Health’s 2010 data. Educate yourself about these diseases, their common causes, and how you can avoid being part of the said statistics.

5. Tuberculosis, all forms

Back in the early 1980s, tuberculosis (TB) has been on the top 3 leading causes of death in the Philippines. However, it has been on a consistent decline in the past decades, thanks to the efforts of the National Tuberculosis Program and several NGOs in the country. Despite the decline, however, TB and all its forms remained in the top 5 list, with 24,714 or 26.3 mortality rate per 100,000 population.

According to WebMD, TB is a very contagious airborne bacterial infection, occurring in the lungs and spreading anywhere through the bloodstreams or the lymph nodes. When the immune system is compromised, it can cause death to tissues within organs, eventually killing the affected person if left untreated.

How to Prevent: When cases of TB break out in your community, use protective measures like wearing face masks. Getting vaccinated should also help you get protected from acquiring the disease as well as taking prophylaxis.

4. Pneumonia

Pneumonia has been the primary cause of death in the country, not until our health system was strengthened in 1989. With the establishment of more hospitals and the upgrade on our health care facilities, the mortality rate of the said disease was greatly reduced to half. As of 2010, pneumonia still caused people to seek the services of funeral homes in the Philippines, with 45,591 cases or a 48.5 mortality rate.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can lead to death if left untreated. Anyone can acquire it by breathing the germs called pneumonia into the lungs. Symptoms may include coughing, fever, and having hard time breathing.

How to Prevent: Smoking increases your chance of acquiring the disease, thus, avoid it. Also, stay away from people who have infections like colds or flu, which can sometimes lead to pneumonia. Washing your hands often should also help prevent the spread of the germs.

3. Malignant Neoplasms

The term “malignant neoplasm” means cancerous tumor. Since 1999, it has been on the top 3 spot of the leading diseases that cause death. Although the mortality has been increasing, the range and average remained stable in the past decade with 49,820 or 53 percent.

When abnormal growths happened in one’s cells, cancer may develop. Cancer is classified into more than 100 types, and it is caused by mutations in the genes. According to WHO, there are several factors that can increase the risk of acquiring the disease such as smoking and drinking, environmental and occupational risks, and chronic infections.

How to Prevent: Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. A healthy diet and an active lifestyle also decrease your chance of getting cancer. Regular checkups and getting immune from infections should also protect you from the said disease.

2. Diseases of the Vascular System

Diseases of the vascular system have been on the top 2 spot since 1993, killing 62,553 or 72.9 rate in the recent years. The mortality rate has been ranging from 55 to 70, a linear development in the past 30 years.

Common causes of the said disease include arterial blockage or arteriosclerosis, inactivity, increase intake of fat and salty foods, and smoking. These diseases can also be a complication of other health problems such as diabetes and obesity.

How to Prevent: Avoid smoking and keep an active lifestyle to reduce the chance of succumbing into this disease.

1. Diseases of the Heart

Cardiovascular diseases have been the top cause of deaths not only in the Philippines, but also around the world. According to WHO, diseases of the heart have killed 17.5 million people in 2012. In the Philippines, there were 102,936 cases or 109.5 mortality rate per 100,000 population in 2010.

Much like the diseases in vascular system, cardiovascular illnesses are also caused by arterial blockage or arteriosclerosis. Other causes include unhealthy diet, inactivity, and smoking.

How to Prevent: Maintaining a healthy diet and an active lifestyle should prevent you from the untimely services of funeral homes in the Philippines.



Death may be inevitable, but you can do something to prevent an early demise. Equipping yourself with proper knowledge about these fatal illnesses should help you live a longer life. With such information easily available for everyone, take advantage of it not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones.