MANILA, Philippines - A group of doctors has noted the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases in the country, saying that these are responsible for more than 60% of deaths in the Philippines.

The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), in a statement, said it is alarmed by the increasing number of cases of heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in the country.

The group did not cite figures, but said that common culprits include tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical activity.

PCP said physicians will start to use "healthy lifestyle prescriptions" to encourage patients to stop smoking, eat right and exercise regularly as part of a campaign to curb non-communicable diseases in the country.

"We will promote learning among the people, move local government into action and advocate for effective legislation on curbing the smoking epidemic, and promoting healthy diet and physical activity," PCP treasurer Dr. Tony Leachon said.

The World Health Organization earlier said that non-communicable diseases kill 36 million people each year, and is expected to hit 52 million annually in two decades.

The World Cancer Research Fund has said that healthier lifestyles and better diets could prevent up to 2.8 million cases of cancer each year.