Fighting the Big C
Human existence is continuously threatened by the ever-changing world. From drastic
changes in lifestyle to climate issues, humans adapt accordingly to their environment. However,
through continuous mutation and evolution, different illnesses develop afflicting man’s life.
One of the major diseases affecting people of all ages in countries worldwide is the
cancer. Cancer occurs when a group of cells inside human body display uncontrolled growth
affecting adjacent tissues and sometimes spreading in other parts of the body through lymph or
bloodstream. There are no direct causes why cancer happens, however, abnormalities in the
genetic material makes the cells to transform which may be due to carcinogens such as tobacco
smoke, radiation or chemical agents. This may also be due to errors in DNA replication or
heredity.
In the Philippines, cancer is the third leading cause of mortality among Filipinos. Due to
its late showing symptoms, most cancer cases are detected only when the disease is already in
its advanced stage. Thus, for every two cancer victims annually, one will die within the year.
Because it poses as major life-threatening disease, different programs have been
conducted throughout the country to inform the people about how serious cancer is and how to
prevent it.
In Dagupan City, the local government has pledged its full support fighting against
cervical cancer. Collaborating with the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network Program (CEPAP),
the Cancer Institute Foundation Inc. (CIF) and Bravehearts, a multi-disciplinary crusade for
cervical cancer treatment and prevention, the city aimed at increasing the awareness about the
disease by effective information dissemination. The city government urged the female
government employees and residents to attend the lecture conducted by the Philippine Cancer
Society.
On the other hand, Makati City hosted an event dubbed as “Tour of Hope”, aimed at
creating awareness also on cervical cancer. It is a cycling event from Manila going to
Baguio. It was held March 20-24, 2010, starting off from University of Makati’s track oval kicking
off the 500-kilometer cycling tour.
Since then, the project Tour of Hope is aimed at increasing people’s awareness and raise
funds on various health issues affecting Filipinos’ lives. It is a non-profit initiative form group of
like-minded people from different walks of life setting up bicycle tours.
In the recent Father’s Day Celebration, Philippine Cancer Society provided free clinic
examination called Libreng Eksamen Para sa Prostate Cancer in San Miguel, Manila. The free
clinic service includes consultation, digital rectal examination and PSA and ultrasound.
Since 1988, the Philippine Cancer Control Program has begun aimed at establishing and
maintaining a systematic approach towards scientific progress and its practical applications into
an effective program that will reduce cancer mortality among Filipinos. There are six main pillars
of PCCP: Epidemiology and Research, PublicInformation and Health Education, Prevention and
Early Detection,Treatment, Training and Pain Relief.
Moreover, the community-based Cancer Care/Control Network, begun in 1998, has
taking initiatives building empowered communities sharing responsibility for cancer care and
control in the Philippines. The CCCN has built the idea that if organizations and even individuals
cooperate with each other to achieve a common goal, their methods in fighting cancer will be
more effective. The CCCN provides medical education and training, research and evaluation, and
clinical management.
It has always been stressed out that prevention is still better than cure. Especially if your
talking about cancer. Don’t take for granted your health or you’ll be regretting at the end of the
day.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a key in preventing serious diseases. A balanced diet,
regular exercise, avoiding unhealthy practices such as drinking and smoking, and getting an
annual medical check-up will help to fight the Big C.
Countless lives had already been claimed by cancer. From prominent personalities to
ordinary people, there are no exceptions on who will be affected by this disease. Fame and
fortune is an not excuse on being afflicted, what only matters is how someone takes care of
himself when it comes to health issues.
The technology ever-improves, from aesthetic to medical cures. And this may be a key in
discovering faster and better cures for the dreadful cancer. Hopefully, patients need not to
undergone surgery and chemotherapy. There are lot of painful stories how chemotherapy
sessions are done. However, it’s only one of the limited options in curing cancer.
The government should pay more attention on programs and initiatives on information
dissemination, free medical check-ups and prevention seminars on this disease. It is a major
threat on million of Filipinos’ lives.
Creating awareness in communities is essential especially in these times of increasing
trends of various cancer cases. We should help ourselves preventing the Big C, and there is no
better time than now.
References:
http://sundaypunch.prepys.com
http://www.thepoc.net
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net
http://jjco.oxfordjournals.org
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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