Center highlights cancer prevention

As the country observed Lung Cancer Awareness Month in July, the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. urged the public to undergo early detection and prevention measures to fight the disease.

“The earlier the cancer is detected, the more chances patient will survive,” Ronald delos Reyes, program coordinator of EJACC, said.

Lung cancer may be seen through x-ray and CT scan. The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy.

“Treatment and prognosis depend on the histological type of cancer, the stage or degree of spreading,” delos Reyes said.

Lung cancer is characterized by abnormal growth in tissue of the lungs. It is mostly caused by excessive intake of alcoholic beverages and exposure to tobacco smoke and radon gas, asbestos and air pollution, including so-called “second hand smoke.”

Its symptoms include coughing with blood, sudden weight loss, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain. Lung cancer usually occurs among people 40 years old and above.

“Lung cancer can be prevented if we eliminate tobacco smoking, and help raise public awareness on the common causes of the disease,” delos Reyes said.

According to Delos Reyes, one should also switch to a healthier lifestyle to avoid cancer through regular exercise and eating anti-oxidant foods, such as garlic, grapes, green tea, tomatoes, blueberries, tomatoes, flaxseeds, mushrooms, cabbage, cauliflower, whole grains, and dark leafy green vegetables.

“The only missing part is our genuine desire to do it,” he said.

Earlier on June 19, EJACC conducted a training on breast self-examination for its volunteer nurses and midwives. The training was conducted by Dr. Orven Lim of Chong Hua Hospital. The training was necessary for the participants in dealing with EJACC’s clients.

For more information on EJACC, call Gina Mariquit at 254-6351 or 256-3287 or visit www.rafi.org.ph and or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.