BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Cancer is one of the most dangerous and deadly diseases.
It occurs when the cells in our body grow abnormally.
Instead of dying or decreasing, these cells continue to multiply, causing tumors or more severe complications.
It can be caused by genetics, an unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation.
This is why every February 4, we observe World Cancer Day.
It started on February 4, 2000, during the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium held in Paris, France.
Since then, it has been commemorated annually.
The goal of this event is to raise awareness about cancer, strengthen support for patients, and encourage everyone to take part in the fight against this disease.
Cancer, if not detected early, can cause complications that may lead to death.
However, there are types of cancer that can be treated if diagnosed early, such as breast cancer, testicular cancer, and skin cancer.
Early detection and access to proper treatment are crucial to increasing a patient’s chances of survival.
But did you know that some types of cancer are more dangerous than others?
Among the most critical types are lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer.
These cancers often show no symptoms in their early stages, making them harder to detect until they’ve progressed.
In the Philippines, according to the Global Cancer Observatory 2020, over 150,000 Filipinos are diagnosed with cancer, and more than 90,000 die from it each year.
As part of the fight against cancer…
Various agencies implement programs like the National Cancer Control Program, aimed at reducing cancer cases through prevention, early detection, and accessible treatments.
There’s also the Cancer Assistance Fund to help patients in need of financial support for their treatment.
As we commemorate World Cancer Day, may this serve as a reminder that the fight against cancer isn’t just for patients, it’s a battle for all of us.
