Despite the fear of being afflicted with the big C, the fact remains that cancer can be cured. Pre-invasive disease service should focus on prevention — managing and dealing with the pre-cancer condition.
Here are some statistics. Cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer and the number one killer of women worldwide. There are about 500,000 new cases a year, resulting in 230,000 deaths a year.
Sixty percent occurs in Asia. And yet, cervical cancer is almost 100 percent preventable. Greater education and greater provision of health service lead to reduced incidence of the disease.
The treatment for pre-cancer stage is almost 100 percent effective. A majority of cancers pass through the pre-cancer stage, which may last for up to 10 years. This can be detected by Pap smears.
Breast cancer is said to be the new epidemic of the modern world. One in 20 women above the age of 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
In the Philippines, studies show that breast cancer is the second largest leading cause of death among women. The country has the most number of breast cancer cases in Asia.
Early detection is key to the treatment of breast cancer.
Among the cancer cases, childhood cancer could be more treatable. Better outcome results because of earlier diagnosis, improved diagnostic techniques, a better understanding of the multimodal approach to treatment, and research.
One in every 500 children will develop cancer before their 18th birthday. However, with effective treatment, 70 percent of children diagnosed with cancer can be cured. This can be done with disease directing techniques or the best combination of treatment with chemotherapy, surgery, radio therapy, and biological agents.
Other aspects that may be considered such as pain management, nutritional management, play therapy, as well as parent empowering therapy.
The main focus of medical service is the patient.
New researches are taken into consideration as well as updated guidelines and protocol.
There is hope. Research is an important aspect of treatment. There is always a need to ask, how can we do it better?
In Davao City alone, there are about 150 reported cases of children stricken with cancer every year, and almost 80 percent are admitted at the Davao Medical Center.
Different organizations have worked together in providing quality health care for children and women. Together, we work to improve their condition, provide for better opportunity to access health care and information on prevention of the disease.
Hope can spread faster than cancer. (Email comments to roledan@gmail.com)
