February, the National Cancer Awareness Month just ended. In the Philippines, the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), or R.A. 11215 – a time to educate, advocate, and support. It provides a platform for spreading information about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment options, and available resources for patients and their families. By raising awareness and fostering community engagement, this observance on Cancer Awareness Month, contributes to the fight against cancer and the improvement of outcomes for those affected by the disease.
Cancer incidence has been rising locally and worldwide, the most common cancers being breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers. Nonetheless, many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively so cancer patients and survivors should not lose hope.
The World Health Organization (WHO) enumerates preventive strategies to reduce cancer risk: not using tobacco; maintaining a healthy body weight; eating a healthy diet, including fruit and vegetables; doing physical activity on a regular basis; avoiding or reducing consumption of alcohol; getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B if you belong to a group for which vaccination is recommended; avoiding ultraviolet radiation exposure (which primarily results from exposure to the sun and artificial tanning devices) and/or using sun protection measures; ensuring safe and appropriate use of radiation in health care (for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes); minimizing occupational exposure to ionizing radiation; and reducing exposure to outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution, including radon, a radioactive gas produced from the natural decay of uranium, which can accumulate in buildings — homes, schools and workplaces.
In www.hopkinsmedicine.org, the importance of good nutrition is summarized – management or treatment of side effects, increase energy, increase muscle tone, preserve immune function, reduce inflammation.
Early diagnosis is key to survival. When identified early, cancer is more likely to respond to treatment and can result in a greater probability of survival, with less expensive and even shorter time for treatment. Be aware of the symptoms of different forms of cancer, tests to confirm should follow right away. Seek medical advice and referral to treatment services right away.
Aside from the above-mentioned sites, other websites provide valuable information on cancer e.g. psmo.org.ph, www.cancer.org; www.nhs.uk.com; clevelandclinic, medicalnewstoday.com.
