LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, July 3 (PIA)– The municipal government through its Nutrition Unit conducted a cancer forum to provide a venue where cancer survivors and patients can enhance their knowledge about their illness as well as air and share their experiences and learnings that others may draw insights and inspiration from..
Councilor Horacio Ramos Jr, who chairs the Committee on Health, welcomed the participants composed of 83 cancer survivors/patients, carers, health and nutrition workers and municipal staff. In his message, Mayor Romeo Salda highlighted the importance of the affair and what the municipality can do.
Dr. Jimmy Billod, a Gynecology-Oncologist and Medical Officer of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center talked about the nature, risk factors, prevention and management of cancer while Mrs. Donabelle Faye Navarette, Section Manager of the Clinical Nutrition Services of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City presented the nutritional management of cancer based on current guidelines.
Cancer, though currently preventable and treatable, remains a dreaded disease with many still associating it with death which is not anymore the case especially with early detection and proper management. Its risk factors, nature, management and side effects are, too often misunderstood and unexplained.
Those diagnosed react differently. Some seem to adapt quickly passing through stages of disbelief, discovery, redirection and resolution and live life normally while others hardly get over it.
Thus the Department of Health has set up schedule for cancer awareness advocacy –March for Colon and Rectal Cancer, April for Cancer in Children, May for Cervical Cancer, August for Lung cancer, September for Liver Cancer, October for Breast Cancer and November for Cancer Pain. This is augmented by other efforts such as publications, broadcasts, seminars from other government agencies and non-government offices as well.
Everyone is encouraged to contribute towards raising awareness on cancer or helping others cope with it and live life normally.
Marivic Bugasto and Divina Sayaan who head the Minda’s Buddies and Warrior in Me, respectively, shared what their cancer support groups do apart from how they emerged victorious in spite of other life storms.
Other sharers included a breast cancer survivor for 26 years now, a 6-year survivor who has been through nine other surgeries, a pancreatic cancer survivor and a survivor’s husband who highlighted the role of spouses and the family.
Majority of the 35 cancer survivor- participants had breast cancer. There were four cases each of thyroid and cervical cancer, two colon and one each of endometrial, nasopharyngeal, lung, pancreatic and tongue cancer.
Meanwhile, medical technologists and interns from the School of Natural Sciences of the University of Baguio conducted free complete blood count, urinalysis and blood typing while nutrition students of the Benguet State University assessed the nutritional status of interested participants.
Pastor Joe Bildan and his group offered group and individual prayers. ABC President and SB member Teddy Quintos closed the affair with an inspirational message and prayers.
The forum conducted last June 29 was the first of a series of activities initiated by a group of La Trinidad-based cancer survivors, who wish to formally organize themselves and serve as an arm of the municipal government in its cancer prevention and management efforts.
Interested cancer patients or their families who wish to be visited or need more sharing may contact 09214182126 or 09082118688. **JDP/MAWC – PIA CAR with reports from Imelda Degay
