Showing posts with label Cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cancer. Show all posts

March 20, 2022

Pfizer Philippines Foundation and ASSIST partner to promote breast self-examination

Keeping with its commitment to promote and enhance public health among local Filipino communities across the country, Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. (PPFI) has partnered with Manila-based international non-governmental organization (INGO) Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) for a program called Likayan to raise awareness on breast self-examination (BSE) techniques for early detection of breast cancer.

As part of the partnership, PPFI and ASSIST have begun administering healthcare and educational services to underserved women in the town of Balayan, Batangas. Their efforts mainly involve the teaching of breast self-examination techniques. They are also capacitating and empowering community leaders comprised of teachers, youth leaders, midwives, and healthcare workers, as well as training a network of Community Champions to become Master Trainers and further spread awareness of BSE.
ASSIST and Pfizer Philippines Foundation have partnered for healthcare and educational services for underserved women in the town of Balayan, Batangas. Photo shows the ASSIST team with Councilor Carlos Ermita-Alvarez (4th from right) during the site visit to Balayan, Batangas.

The need for the education and promotion of the practice of BSE, as well as general awareness of breast cancer, follows various findings regarding the illness in the Philippines. Data from the Global Cancer Observatory shows that breast cancer ranks #1 in the Philippines in terms of incidence, with more than 27,000 new cases in 2020.

“BSE is a very important first step in early detection and cure. With early detection, you can stop it right away, and simply do preventative or curative treatment and avoid the suffering,” said ASSIST Executive Director of Projects and Strategy Francis Macatulad.

“We are truly glad to be working with such a proactive and caring organization in ASSIST to help save Filipino lives from the threat of breast cancer. We look forward to more things we can achieve through this partnership, as this is only the beginning of a fruitful endeavor,” said PPFI Executive Director Geof Garcia.

"I want to thank PPFI and ASSIST for this amazing project that will train women and our Barangay Health Workers and help our community in Batangas to be more aware of breast cancer,” said Carlos Ermita Alvarez, Balayan councilor. “We all know that early detection is key. These types of trainings are not really taught at the barangay level so I believe this will be a first in our community. This will definitely help women become more aware and pass the knowledge along to their friends, co-workers, and neighbors. We hope this project can train as many women and BHWs to help prevent breast cancer."

Other efforts and initiatives set out in the partnership include the use of the patient navigation program to promote and safeguard the general health of women from rural and urban poor areas, ultimately aiming to establish a wide network that will help Filipinos and engage stakeholders from the government and private sector to create a sustainable long-term impact.

ASSIST was established in 2003 with the aim of addressing social problems and sustainability challenges in the Asian region. It has evolved today into a self-sustaining international non-profit organization driven by a passion for purpose and progress in the region. The organization embodies the values of professional outlook and social responsibility and seeks to empower target groups and make them resilient to social, economic, and environmental challenges through adopting a process-oriented approach to capacity building.

Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit corporation organized to perform charitable and social welfare activities and programs geared towards improving health capacities, education, and awareness. Founded in 1997, PPFI seeks to serve Filipino communities to improve health outcomes for a stronger nation of healthier citizens.

Through collaborations with NGOs and civic welfare groups, the government and its relevant agencies, as well as through the engagement of Pfizer colleagues as volunteers, PPFI aims to innovate, implement, and sustain equity-based programs that will significantly improve Filipinos’ healthcare access.

November 14, 2021

Cardinal Santos Medical Center covers cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery in latest webicon

Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) continues to educate the public on relevant medical issues with their 6th webicon, entitled “One Big Fight: A Webicon on Ways to Prevent, Detect, and Treat Cancer”. The webicon was held on October 14 via Zoom.


CSMC’s top cancer specialists came together to discuss key facts about Cancer, from diagnosis, the various ways to prevent cancer from developing, and CSMC’s services for cancer treatment.

The Oncology experts who served as the session resource speakers were Dr. Ma. Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng, Dr. Kitchie Antipuesto, and Dr. Pauline Anne Cauton from the hospital’s Cancer Institute.


Dr. Antipuesto started off the webicon with a talk on what cancer essentially is, and the different kinds of cancer a person may develop. 
For her part, Dr. Cauton covered how to get accurate diagnoses for cancer and the most effective treatments for it. As cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the country, one of the session’s main objective was to dispel common myths and misconceptions about cancer detection, as well as touch on behaviors and lifestyle choices that contribute to the development of the disease.


Meanwhile, Dr. Abesamis-Tiambeng, the chairperson of CSMC’s Cancer Institute, discussed the future of cancer treatment and therapy, including the services and facilities CSMC’s Cancer Center offers. She highlighted that the hospital’s Cancer Center is the first one-stop-shop cancer center in the country, with state-of-the-art chemotherapy and radiation facilities and other programs that provide a holistic healing process for cancer patients such as spiritual guidance and counselling opportunities.

“We work together for a common goal - to give the best care possible to the cancer patient,” Dr. Abesamis-Tiambeng emphasized. “Our cancer center team [is] a group of caring, competent and compassionate individuals, committed to alleviate the plight of each cancer patient entrusted to our care. We invite you to partner with us and together we will win the battle against the Big C.”

To encourage and give hope to the session’s viewers, the hospital also invited Ms. Greta Chua, a breast cancer survivor and former patient of the CSMC Cancer Center, to share her experience fighting the disease, and how CSMC’s cancer program helped her recover from her condition.

“Battling cancer for 14 years wasn’t easy, but I am thankful [to CSMC] for [providing] effective and appropriate treatments, and [ensuring] that I am well-taken care of,” Ms. Chua shared. “I’m really grateful that I was given the opportunity to be treated in a world-class hospital with excellent doctors and nurses. Because of them, I get to embrace the value of life.”

For more information about CSMC’s Cancer Institute, their cancer treatment and therapy services, as well as other services the hospital offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

March 25, 2018

FWD sends off sole Filipino runner to North Pole Marathon

Pan-Asian insurer FWD Life Insurance, one of the fastest-growing insurance companies in the Philippines, is sending off the country’s lone representative to the FWD North Pole Marathon.

Multi-sport athlete and cancer survivor Luisito “Louie” Sangalang is set to fly to the northernmost point on Earth to represent the Philippines in the Marathon, which will be held on April 9. He will join ten (10) other FWD-sponsored runners from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan in the grueling marathon. Collectively, the 11 runners are dubbed “FWD Team Asia”.


The FWD North Pole Marathon runners, hailing from all over the globe, will be running on ice sheet measuring 6 to 12 feet thick which is above 12,000 feet of Arctic Ocean, literally on top of the world. They will be traversing a 42-kilometer path with an average temperature of negative 30 degrees centigrade, even going as low as negative 40 degrees centigrade at times. The marathon is unique because it is run on a small 4.22-kilometer (2.62-mile) loop about 10 times, over hard snow or ice. The FWD North Pole Marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS) and is the only certified marathon that is run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean.



FWD Life Insurance prepares Louie Sangalang for 
this once-in-a-lifetime experience

To prepare for the race of a lifetime, Sangalang has joined various local marathons to keep his body in top physical shape. To enable his body to adjust to the extreme cold weather, he has continuously trained inside an industrial freezer with a temperature that mimics that of the negative 30-degree centigrade temperature in the North Pole.

Sangalang says the support given by “The FWD Squad” helped him in preparing for the FWD North Pole Marathon. Triathlon coach Ani De Leon-Brown as well as Sangalang’s running coach Ige Lopez provided the athletic training and guidance. Romi Garduce, the first and only Filipino to have completed the Seven Summits in 2012, gave valuable advice on how to survive the extreme cold.

Other members of the Squad include celebrity mom Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and son Benjamin, who gave motivational support for Sangalang, and radio DJ and host Sam YG, who joined Sangalang in his rigorous training sessions.



From overcoming life challenges to conquering 
the world’s summit

According to FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive Peter Grimes, Sangalang’s resilience in overcoming different challenges is one trait that resonates well in Filipinos and this made him the perfect choice to represent the Philippines in the marathon.

“Louie's inspiring story of being a cancer survivor and his passion for fitness, which he uses to inspire Filipinos to live an active lifestyle, also best represent what FWD stands for: embracing the opportunities in your life without hesitation,” said Grimes.Apart from Louie, FWD is also sponsoring runners who have their own life challenges but are pursuing the FWD North Pole Marathon experience nonetheless. Representing Singapore and Hong Kong, respectively, are para-athlete Shariff Abdullah, dubbed as Singapore Blade Runner, and the visually impaired Leung Siu Wai.

Louie’s send-off party was held on March 22 at the Bonifacio Technology Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The FWD-sponsored send-off event was attended by FWD executives and team members, North Pole Marathon campaign collaborators, Louie’s friends and relatives, and his support squad.


This is the second year that FWD has sponsored 
the North Pole Marathon.


FWD Life Philippines Head of Marketing, Roche Vandenberghe shared, “FWD saw the North Pole Marathon as a unique and important platform to communicate the idea that everyone should live life to the fullest, stay true to their passion, and not give up their goals, because FWD will always have their back!”







About FWD Philippines
FWD Life Insurance Corporation (“FWD Life”) is the first life insurance company licensed by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines under the new Insurance Code. FWD launched its commercial operations in September 2014. After its second full year of operations in 2016, FWD ranked #12 in total premium income, up one notch from previous year, according to the Insurance Commission’s report.1 By March 2017, FWD Life is the highest-capitalized life insurer in the Philippines with PhP 2.3 billion in paid-up capitalization.2

FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, and employee benefits across a number of its markets. Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business arm of investment group, Pacific Century Group. In the Philippines, FWD has nine business hubs located in key cities nationwide with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance. For more information please visit fwd.com.ph.


November 15, 2017

Health Talks: Gaining advantage against cancer

What is Cancer? How cancer spreads? 

Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancers are named for where they start.

Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also break away and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer mortality is mainly due to metastatic tumors, those that grow from cells that have traveled from their original site to another part of the body.

A precise approach to personalized cancer management for each patient’s cancer genes bodes well in gaining an advantage in the fight against cancer.



A cancer diagnosis is one of the worst news anyone can get from their doctor. Your life and future change in an instant, and suddenly everything is uncertain. But, what if it were possible to catch the cancer in its earlier stage, early enough to take steps to better manage it? 

Also, in a lot of cases with cancer, the treatment is nearly as bad as the disease itself. What if, you can identify which therapy will deliver the best possible result through a more precise, more individualized management plan?



The Research Genetic Cancer Center (RGCC), a world-class laboratory that specializes in medical and cancer genetics, focuses on early detection, personalized chemosensitivity testing, and accurate monitoring. They believe that “there’s no one-size-fits-all method to cancer treatment,” and the only way for practitioners to come-up with an effective battle plan is to be fully knowledgeable of the cancer, at a genetic level. 



RGCC’s first step in cancer therapy is isolating and identifying Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs). CTCs are cells that have broken away from a primary cancer site and entered the blood stream. Oncocount is RGCC’s screening test that gives information on the presence and concentration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These cells could potentially spread the disease even to distant organs. 


What is Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC)?

• CTCs are cancer cells which have broken away from the primary tumor and have entered the blood stream where they circulate and have the potential to generate metastatic disease. These cells can be isolated and identified and there is growing interest in their detection for the following purposes: 
-  The early detection and diagnosis of new cancers
-  Monitoring existing cancers
- Prognosis – providing information about the risk of recurrence of a current or old cancer

Oncotrace shows the presence of CTCs, their concentration, and immunophenotype (what type of cell it is). Oncotrail is the test tailor-made for specific types of cancers used for follow up control on old cancers. With the information that their tests provide, new cancers are detected and diagnosed; existing cancers are monitored; and information about the possible risk of recurrence of a current or old cancer is provided.


Once the cancer cells have been identified and targeted, RGCC tests for chemosensitivity or chemoresistance. These tests provide guidance in deciding on the best available treatment for the individual patient. They take out the trial and error aspect in cancer treatment because it already determines how effective a specific treatment and how significant the side effects would be even before embarking on a chemotherapy program. Onconomics gives the information on whether or not a specific drug works on the cancer cells of the patient. Onconomics Extracts, in the meantime, shows if natural biological substances or extract can counter cancer cells—this gives the patient the option of using natural substances as a complementary treatment strategy. Onconomics Plus is a combination of the two tests.

Emphirical chemotherapy may have a low percentage of efficacy because each person’s response to drugs can be different. Every person has a unique genetic response to cancer, depending on their genetic fingerprint. There are the Rapid Metabolizers, whose cells can process the drug so fast that it doesn’t have an effect on them; Accumulators, on the other hand, cannot take out the by-products of a drug so they often suffer from debilitating side effects and toxicities; and there are the Normal Metabolizers, who can normally process a drug to its active form and releases its byproducts. ChemoSNiP examines the inherited variations in genes that dictate drug response and explore the ways these variations can be used to predict how the patient will respond- positive, negative or non-response- to the drug. 

Meanwhile, the Immune-Frame looks for the type of cells that are responsible for the activation or repression of one’s immune system. Cells of the primary tumor may have the ability to spread to other organs. To help doctors and patients in proactive monitoring of the metastases trends, Metastat can help identify the potential organ that can be affected in the future, like the lungs, bone, liver, and brain.

The main goal of RGCC Genetic Cancer tests is to discover, analyze, and screen the cancer cells at every stage of the disease to give the patient an advantage against the fight against cancer. 

With the information from the tests, patients and their doctors are better equipped in creating a precise, effective and sustainable health management plan. Meanwhile, health and wellness facilities focused on creating health can work with the patient and physician in developing a health plan that would keep the rest of the body strong and healthy, through diet and lifestyle modification, to help prevent the spread of the cancer. The attending physician or oncologist can focus more on the cancer treatment and management plan.

Dr. Ioannis Papasotiriou, CEO and Medical Director, RGCC


 “RGCC Group” – RGCC Group, which stands for Research Genetic Cancer Center Group, was established by Dr. Ioannis Papasotiriou in 2004. The company is a pioneering, innovative organization working in the fields of medical genetics and in particular, cancer genetics, chemosensitivity, and chemo-resistance testing. The company headquarters are in Switzerland and their laboratory is in Northern Greece.
Mr. Mitch Genato, Group CEO Global Medical Technologies 

The RGCC Genetic Cancer tests are made available and accessible by Global Medical Technologies (GMT). GMT has been at the forefront of making some of the most up-to-date and relevant medical technologies and diagnostics from developed countries accessible to Filipino medical practitioners and patients, and help them outsmart health issues. 

The RGCC tests can be requested through your Physician. It is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Global Medical Technologies, for more information, patients and health practitioners may visit www.gmtmanila.com. 



March 9, 2017

GE and Cardinal Santos Memorial Center Presents Future of Cancer Care

This Wednesday ( March 8 ) GE Philippines together with Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) held a media discussions where key Healthcare Stakeholders share their views on the following topics:
  • The current state of cancer care in the Philippines
  • The need for more education around cancer prevention and seeking treatment early
  • The technologies and treatments available to help detect and treat cancer in the Philippines 



Health experts share view on current state of cancer care in the Philippines. 
  • Cancer is one of the Philippines’ top causes of death, claiming 56,000 lives per year.
  • Increasing number of new cancer cases worldwide is alarming and becoming more pressing for institutions like Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMS) to pursue strategic interventions.
  • CSMC’s latest effort to meet the Philippines’ needs on cancer care is the installation of the GE Discovery™ PET/CT 710, which features high sensitivity, advanced protocol flexibility, and high-definition image reconstruction to help doctors recommend the best possible tailor regimen for patients, while minimizing radiation.


Early diagnosis key to preventing cancer, experts advise

Despite the increasing number of cancer deaths worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterates that between 30-50 percent of cancers can be prevented by interventions such as lifestyle changes and early screening. 1

In the Philippines, cancer claims the lives of 56, 000 Filipinos a year, making it one of the country’s top causes of death.2 Top cancer killers in the Philippines include breast, lung, colorectal, liver and cervical cancers. 3

According to the World Health Organization, cancer was responsible for nearly 8.8 million deaths in 2015, a number that could reach 17 million by 2030.4

The increasing number of new cancer cases worldwide is alarming and it becomes more pressing for us to pursue strategic interventions,” said Dr. Christine Gruenberg of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC).


Diagnosed too late

Cancer symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, and skin changes are often mistaken for common illnesses that by the time of diagnosis, the tumors have already spread to other parts of the body.5

Though one third of cancer deaths are due to behavioral and dietary risks namely high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use, factors such as family history, physical environment, and infectious agents like HPV also contribute to the rise of cancer incidence worldwide.6

Patients’ survival chances also get slimmer when their cancer is diagnosed at a late stage. Aside from lower likelihood of survival, delayed diagnosis also causes serious treatment-related side effects and higher healthcare costs.7

Better cancer outcomes

The WHO identified three steps that can help improve diagnosis: improving awareness, capacity building, and ensuring treatment access. 8

Treatment methods cannot begin, however, if there is no pathologic confirmation of the disease. This is why the availability of advanced healthcare technology matters in improving diagnosis, said GE Healthcare Philippines Country Manager Ivan Arota.

Just like all other health challenges, addressing the burden of cancer requires a multi-sectoral approach. Our work as a healthcare solutions provider does not stop with the development of innovative medical equipment,” Arota said.

We help build on the diagnostic capacity of healthcare workers pursuant to the recommendations of the WHO,” he added.

CSMC’s latest effort to meet the Philippines’ needs on cancer care is the installation of the Discovery™ PET/CT 710. The Discovery PET/CT 710 features high sensitivity, advanced protocol flexibility, and high-definition image reconstruction to help doctors recommend the best possible tailor regimen for patients, while minimizing radiation.

A PET-CT scan is an invaluable diagnostic tool in cancer care that simultaneously performs two individual tests to detect cancer and determine its stage. The highly sensitive PET scan detects the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells - a key element in the diagnostic process; while the CT scan creates a detailed image of abnormal cancerous tissues inside the body, including their location and size.

To identify any abnormalities, a radiopharmaceutical marker called Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is injected into the patient. The PET scanner picks up the signal produced by the marker, creating images of the FDG distribution in the body. Combined, a PET-CT scan provides doctors with comprehensive information on the disease and allows them to plan treatment effectively.

When healthcare providers recommend treatment options to cancer patients, they rely heavily on data generated by equipment and other tools. We can’t compromise quality and efficient monitoring because lives are at stake,” said CSMC Medical Director Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy.
“The addition of a PET/CT in CSMC’s range of equipment and services will help us in our commitment to provide improved cancer care and better clinical outcomes for our patients,” Dr. Javier-Uy added.











About GE:
GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

1 World Health Organization Media centre http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/

2 World Health Organization Cancer Country Profile Philippines http://www.who.int/cancer/country-profiles/phl_en.pdf?ua=1

3 International Agency for Research on Cancer GLOBOCAN 2012 http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_population.aspx

4 The global burden of cancer: priorities for prevention https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802672/

6 World Health Organization Media centre http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/ ; American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer.html


July 2, 2016

'King of Talk' and advocate, Boy Abunda talks about total Colon Management; Endorses Tocoma

Media launch of Tocoma ( colon cleanser supplement) held at the Luxent Hotel, June 23, 2016.
Well known as the "King of Talk" in local show business, Boy Abunda, a television host, publicist, talent manager, celebrity endorser is also an advocate.

Boy Abunda is involved in a project that he feels very strongly about. It is not just a public health issue that affects many Filipinos, but touches directly on the lives of two persons whom he admires deeply. 

The initiative has something to do with helping people become more aware of the dangers of Colon Cancer, the same ailment that both President Corazon C. Aquino and Pope John Paul II battled for a long time. 

This form of cancer, which is also known as colorectal cancer, and is among the top five cancers in the country for both sexes. This is according to the Department of Health and Global estimates even reach as high as 1.4 million new cases every year, of which 50 percent may develop into advanced stages. 
In a health bulletin, the DOH says that "the disease’s signs and symptoms include constipation, or intermittent constipation and diarrhea, difficult bowel movement or change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, nausea or vomiting, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and gas pains or cramps. Rectal bleeding or anemia may also occur in persons over 50 years old."

Boy Abunda 
But despite all the warnings, what is truly concerning from a public health stand point is the almost complete lack of awareness by many Filipinos about the easy steps that can be taken to help prevent this disease.

According to health experts, colon cancer can be avoided by the simple expedient of having a fiber-rich diet of fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical activities on a regular basis, and keeping the consumption of red meat in moderation. Smoking and too much alcohol should also be avoided.

To help spread awareness of the dangers of colon cancer, Boy agreed to be the brand ambassador for Total Colon Management, or Tocoma, a fiber-rich herbal supplement from Malaysian health firm, Healol Pharmaceuticals. 

Because colon cancer attacks the intestines, keeping them clean through regular bowel movement is essential. Tocoma provides the necessary fiber and other essential nutrients in our diet, making this easier for our bodies to perform. 

Part of Boy's role with Tocoma is that he will be touring the country to talk about the health risks of colon cancer and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Together, they hope to educate Filipinos on how they can better take care of themselves.

May 23, 2016

Power Over Cervical Cancer: The Power to Protect Yourself and Your Dreams - “You Can & You Will”

Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented entirely. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.

Last year's advocacy event, I learned more about how to fight against cancer through many activities for women as we called power wives" - Power Over Cervical Cancer: The Power Wives

As we know, we may be living in an era where women not only rule our homes, they also run the world—from being leaders in the government to managing business enterprises, women now have more opportunities to realize their dreams. 

The sad fact, however, is that every day, seven Filipino women die of cervical cancer, and may never get to complete their life goals, may be stripped of the chance to fulfill a successful career, start a family or even just find Mr. Right. All because of a disease, a kind of cancer that puts every woman at risk, regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status.


Cervical cancer continues to be a major threat for Filipino women. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipino women (Filipinas). What’s worrisome is that two in three Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years. Since culturally, Filipinas are known to be caring and selfless for others but tend to dismiss concerns about themselves, those who may have contracted cervical cancer may have been diagnosed at a late stage, when the chances of recovery are slim. 

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. This is caused by persistent infection with the cancer causing human papillomavirus (HPV) 

It is also estimated that up to 80 percent of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Majority of HPV infections may come and go, some may clear spontaneously within two years, however if the immune system is weak, the HPV infections may persist and may eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer. 

While HPV is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin genital contact is also a recognized mode of transmission. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cervical cancer, such as being conscientious about one’s sexual activities. Beyond regular consultations and pap smears by your OB-GYN, vaccines that protect against cancer-causing HPV are also now readily available.


Here are some facts I learned about Cancer : 
- All women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. 
- Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. They should not be tested for HPV unless it’s needed after an abnormal Pap test result. 
- Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it’s also OK to have a Pap test alone every 3 years. 
- Women over age 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results should not be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer or pre-cancer should continue to be screened according to the recommendations of a doctor. 
- Women who have had their uterus and cervix removed in a hysterectomy and have no history of cervical cancer or pre-cancer should not be screened. 
- Women who have had the HPV vaccine should still follow the screening recommendations for their age group. 
- Women who are at high risk for cervical cancer may need to be screened more often. 
- Women at high risk might include those with HIV infection, organ transplant, or exposure to the drug DES. They should talk with a doctor or nurse about what screening plan is best for them.
Screening tests look for cancer before a person has any signs or symptoms. Regular screenings can catch some cancers early, when they’re small, have not spread, and are easier to treat. With cervical and colon cancers, these tests can even prevent cancer from developing in the first place.



Who is at risk? 

The incidence of cancer-causing HPV infection is actually highest at the young ages of 15-19. One is at a greater risk of cervical cancer if one had her first sexual intercourse at a young age; have given birth for multiple times; have or have had sexually transmitted diseases; have HIV or whose immune system is weakened; a smoker; long-term use of oral contraceptives for 5 years or more and those who rarely or have not yet had any pap smear.

The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old. 

For older women, the risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old. Thus, screening is recommended starting age 21 to detect cervical abnormalities that precede actual cervical cancer. Studies further show that vaccination remains to be beneficial for older women to prevent HPV infections.


Power Over Cervical Cancer

In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, research-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) furthers its advocacy to increase cervical cancer awareness efforts with the Power Over Cervical Cancer “You Can & You Will” campaign.

The campaign aims to encourage Filipinas to realize that they have the power to protect themselves and their dreams—simply by consulting their doctors and asking about ways to prevent cervical cancer. 



“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Getting cancer may be a distant concept for women who are well and at their prime, but they should be aware that even the healthiest can be at risk,” says, Dr. Leah Manio, GSK Medical Affairs Manager.

"In the Philippines, it is estimated that the financial cost of preventing cervical cancer through screening and vaccination could be 20 times more affordable than the cost of treatment, ” she adds.

“The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands, and NOW is the best time to consult with your physician and have yourself screened,” Dr. Manio stated. 



GSK remains true to its commitment of increasing access to preventive healthcare through its initiatives to improve access to information through its disease awareness efforts. 

To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Power Over Cervical Cancer Page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/POCCPh) and the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube (www.youtube.com/ProteksyonPortal) containing information and short films conveying how protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases is one important step in the achievement of one’s dreams.

You can make a difference in the fight against cancer by volunteering your time, to be aware and to share about he power over cervical cancer to our family, relatives, friends.

The Power Over Cervical Cancer is in your hands. The Power to Protect Yourself and Your Dreams, 

You can and you will! 



ABOUT GSK 
GSK is one of the world’s leading, research-based pharmaceutical companies with the mission to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. At the core of GSK’s business model is the use of knowledge and development of intellectual property. We create value by researching, manufacturing and making available products that improve people’s health and well-being. A healthier society enables people to live life to the fullest, allowing them and their communities to prosper. A sustained flow of innovative products enables our business to grow and replenish our value to patients and consumers.

GSK manufactures and distributes more than four billion packs of products to 150 countries around the world. With this extensive global presence, GSK is striving to make our products as widely accessible as possible.

To increase access to GSK products in the world’s least-developed countries, we have held prices of our patented medicines in this region at no more than 25% of our developed-world prices and we reinvest one-fifth of the profits we make from sales in these territories back into local healthcare infrastructure projects.

Our vaccines business is one of the largest in the world, developing, producing, and distributing over 1.9 million vaccines everyday to people across the world. In 2015, we distributed more than 600 million doses to over 150 countries. We believe that the protection from life-threatening diseases provides opportunities for improved healthcare, not just for individuals but for the communities in which they live. 

Over the last forty years, the medicines, vaccines, and devices we have developed, together with insights from our scientific programs and our collaboration with healthcare professionals, have played a fundamental role in improving disease understanding and patient management. 

For further information, please visit www.gsk.com.

March 22, 2016

Hopeless cases no more - Immunotherapy drug for advanced stages of lung cancer and melanoma now in the Philippines

 MSD launched the New Trend in Cancer Treatment held at the Manila Diamond Hotel, Manila City,  March 17, 2016 
“Addressing the rising incidence of cancer is indeed a tough road to embark on. MSD has been dedicating its resources to developing innovative oncology medicines. Pembrolizumab propelled our research efforts to understand of the role of the immune system and the PD-L1 pathway in cancer treatment” said Dr. Beaver Tamesis, President and Managing Director of MSD in the Philippines.

With this immunotherapy finally available in the Philippines, cancer patients need not equate being diagnosed with advanced or metastatic lung cancer or melanomas a death sentence. Thanks to this breakthrough in cancer medication, patients in the Philippines and abroad have a ray of hope and confidence in what used to be a hopeless case.

An educational article sponsored by MSD

The spark of hope has never been brighter for Filipino patients with advanced stages of lung cancer and melanoma. MSD in the Philippines, a leader in oncology research and development just introduced immunotherapy, one of the most innovative cancer treatment methods to date.


One type of immunotherapy called immune checkpoint inhibitors is a form of cancer treatment that prevents the interaction between the immune system’s T-cells and the tumors. When tumors and T-cells interact, a protein found in the tumor called the Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) deactivates T-cells so they become incapable of recognizing and destroying cancer cells. Through immunotherapy, this interaction is blocked so that T-cells can detect and ward off the cancer cells.

In the Philippines, the anti PD-L1 immunotherapy drug Pembrolizumab received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced or metastatic lung cancer and melanoma after failing first-line treatment. In a media roundtable symposium held March 17 in Manila, Dr Gerardo Cornelio, Cancer Institute Head of St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City shared that "Pembrolizumab has the potential to become an integral part of cancer treatment. It has and will be tested across a broad spectrum of cancers." 

Burden of Disease

Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases and annual cases are expected to rise to 22 million within the next two decades. In 2012 alone, there were 14 million new cases reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) with 8.2 million cancer-related deaths. A significant contributor to this statistic is lung cancer, which is the top cause of cancer mortality for both sexes worldwide.

Sadly, incidence from the Philippines is not far off from the global data. According to Globocan 2012, Iung cancer is the second most common cancer in incidence and mortality among Filipino men and women.

As for melanoma, a skin cancer whose risk factors include sun exposure, fair complexion and genetics, around 300 Filipinos are affected annually. Though melanoma is not one of the most common cancers in the country, early diagnosis remains a challenge for most patients. 

The good news is that for many cancers there have been significant breakthroughs – from prevention to treatment options – however, the unmet needs remain high. 

Durable responses, lower toxicities

Clinical trials have shown immunotherapy’s efficacy in the treatment of advanced lung cancer and melanoma. According to a study published in LANCET, Pembrolizumab showed superior overall survival with less high-grade toxicity for previously treated, PD-L1-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Results of the trials showed that the most common side effects for lung cancer patients receiving Pembrolizumab were decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and rash.

Clinical trials also showed that Pembrolizumab has superior anticancer activity in patients with advanced melanoma who failed previous therapies. In terms of safety profile, Pembrolizumab showed a lower incidence of treatment-related adverse events compared to chemotherapy. 

Biomarkers play a key role in patient response

The expression of a certain biomarker in patients’ tumors played an important role in their response to Pembrolizumab. Biomarkers are proteins found in a patient’s tissue, blood or fluids that can help determine the outcome of a patient’s disease or response to medication. Clinical trials have shown that if a patients’ tumors express the biomarker Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1), patients are more likely to have a better response to the drug.

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