Many of us who commit to a healthy lifestyle will do what is necessary in pursuit of our commitment to ensure that we live healthy, productive lives for as long as our physical and mental faculties will allow. We exercise regularly, are mindful of what we eat, effectively manage stress and limit or avoid things that may adversely impact our health.
It pains us when we hear of a friend, colleague or relative who is terminally ill. One such dreaded sickness is lung cancer, of which 17,255 Filipinos are diagnosed with each year. Caused primarily by smoking, or the inhalation of secondhand smoke, being diagnosed with lung cancer would indeed seem like a death sentence. So even while we do our best to live healthy and avoid risk factors, such as smoking, we can be unwittingly be victimized by secondhand smoke and the inhalation of other carcinogens. Take note that a number of lung cancer patients are in fact, nonsmokers.
While the outlook may seem bleak for one diagnosed with lung cancer as there is limited awareness of this disease, it is encouraging to know that biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Philippines has collaborated with several partners to launch the AZ Cares Program.
This patient support program provides end-to-end healthcare management support for both lung and breast cancer patients to get the best treatment by addressing challenges faced by patients throughout their treatment journey—from understanding their disease, accessing diagnostic testing centers, undergoing genetic mutation testing to getting funding for their treatment and even proper administration of injectable medicine. To date, over 3,600 lung and breast Filipino cancer patients have been reached by AZ Cares since its launch in 2016.
“Late-stage cancer patients are living longer with newer medicines improving their survival. We should start looking at cancer just like chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension,” said Dr. Herdee Luna. She stressed further that several patient support programs are now available to help them with their cancer treatment.
Through AZ Cares, patients are given access to affordable medicine through a patient support program, which allows patients to avail of innovative medicine for lung and breast cancer at a discounted price. Also, the program provides a dedicated nurse to support doctors and patients during the administration of injectable medicine.
In the Philippines alone, lung cancer has resulted in over 15,000 deaths every year, making it the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Philippines. While there is no sure way of preventing lung cancer, we can most certainly minimize the risk by doing the following: Not smoking, quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, having a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, and exercising most days of the week. Indeed, exercise will improve our overall fitness, contributing to a stronger immune system that will help our bodies repel various diseases and sicknesses.
However, when a life-threatening disease still manages to fall upon us or someone that we know, take solace in the fact that science and the field of medicine continue to find new and innovative ways to cure various sicknesses. Furthermore, there are private entities that help us fight the most debilitating of diseases as evidenced by the AZ Cares program.
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1 comment
nobody focus on the heavy increased air pollution from the cars , motor bikes and airplanes …..
shure those benefitting from those will get all mouth shut on those who can see the pattern .