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Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Cory Aquino has colon cancer
MANILA -- Former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino is suffering from colon cancer, her daughter Kris Aquino said on Monday.
The younger Aquino, an actress and TV host, said test confirmed that her 75-year-old mother has colon cancer and asked for prayers as the former Chief Executive battles the illness.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
"Our mom remains a believer in the power of prayer. We ask for your compassion and for your prayers for our mother's recovery. Our mother has always believed in being upfront. Over and above anything else, she's a woman who has lived her entire life entrusting everything to the Lord, and she has always been a woman of great faith," Kris said.
According to her, after Cory had suffered from an episode of high blood pressure and difficulty in breathing followed by fever during the week in between Christmas and New Year, the Aquinos became concerned because of the former President's consistent cough, loss of appetite, and noticeable weight loss.
"Our mom wanted to know what was wrong with her, and with her family by her side, she submitted herself to a check-up and several tests. The results showed that our mother is suffering from cancer of the colon," she said.
With her elder brother, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, at her side, Kris said it was her mother's decision for the family to come out in the open and reveal her illness, saying she is always for transparency even with regard to her health condition.
The Aquino family asked for prayers and requested the public and the media to respect the former President's privacy.
"It's a very difficult time for our family, most especially for our mother. We respectfully ask that she accorded her privacy," Kris said.
At the same time, she said their family would always support their mother as she goes through her latest crisis.
Senator Aquino said his mother knows that she is sick with cancer two weeks ago but still opted to join the prayer for Rodolfo Lozada Jr., the key witness in the Senate hearing on the anomalous national broadband network (NBN)-ZTE deal.
He said his mother would serve the people and the country as long as she could.
It was the latest health concern to hit former President Aquino. On Christmas Eve last year, she was brought to the Medical City Hospital in Pasig City after complaining of high blood pressure and fever. She was discharged from the hospital a short time later.
Cory, widow of the late senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., became president of the Philippines after the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. She was selected Time Magazine's Woman of the Year in 1986 and is a recipient of the 1998 Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding.
She is recognized as one of the World's Elite Women Who Make a Difference by the International Women's Forum Hall of Fame of 2005.
The former President has drawn praise for her support for democracy and for overseeing microfinance projects for beginning entrepreneurs, social welfare, and scholarship assistance through the Benigno S. Aquino Foundation.
She is also a vocal critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and in fact twice called for the President's resignation over corruption allegations in her administration.
Cory also accompanied Lozada in some of his public appearances exposing corruption in government.
Colon cancer
Health authorities said colon and rectal cancer are the third and fourth leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the country.
It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world.
Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.
The diagnosis of localized colon cancer is usually through colonoscopy.
Therapy is usually through surgery, which in many cases is followed by chemotherapy.
'Saddened'
Despite being critical of the Arroyo government, Malacañang said it was "saddened" by news that Cory has been diagnosed with colon cancer.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of President Aquino's illness and wish to convey our heartfelt prayers and sincerest wishes for her complete healing. We know that with her strength and total trust in God, as well as the love and support of everyone around her, she will be able to surmount this as she has conquered all the other trials in her life," Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said.
Bunye, who is also the Presidential spokesman, said Malacañang joins the country in praying for more strength and speedy recovery for Cory.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her loved ones. In times such as these, though these difficulties may be hard to face, let us place our faith in God for his continued blessings and complete trust in his mercy and kindness," he said.
"I'm sure that the President will be one with us in praying for her (Cory) speedy recovery," he said.
Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez, a medical doctor, said colon cancer is still curable depending on what stage it is and the kind of treatment that the former President could take.
On the possibility of Arroyo visiting Cory and the two settling their differences, Golez said the decision is up to the President.
Prayers
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales offered his prayers for the immediate recovery of the former President.
"Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales assures former President Aquino of his prayers for her recovery and restoration to good health," said Peachy Yamsuan, media director of the archdiocese of Manila, in a text message.
The prelate will also ask all the priests to pray for Cory and her intentions.
Opposition personalities led by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay also called on all Filipinos to pray for the former Chief Executive's speedy recovery.
"Former President Aquino has always stood by our side in our trying moments as a nation and as a people. Now is the time for us to stand by her as she faces another trial in her life," Binay said.
He added: "We have drawn strength and inspiration from her. Now is the time for us to show our support through our prayers so she may gain the strength and courage to face her present condition."
Binay is a close ally and friend of Cory starting during the fight against the Marcos dictatorship when the mayor was a human rights lawyer and a street parliamentarian.
He also helped Cory when rebel soldiers mounted several coup attempts against her in the late 1980s. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Baguio. (March 25, 2008 issue)
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