Regular screening, lifestyle change are best bets to prevent colon cancer

By Rory Visco | Contributor

HE is known and acknowledged as the trueblue “Iron Man” of Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), having played a record 744 consecutive games. This record effectively eclipsed the previous mark of 596 games held by Alvin Patrimonio, a former league Most Valuable Player.

However, LA Tenorio’s streak was halted on March 1, 2023 when he failed to play because of a groin injury.

And even more unfortunate, Tenorio announced in a statement two days ago that he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer, already underwent surgery and will soon undergo treatment in the next few months.

The news reverberated in the entire basketball world. Even those who don’t follow basketball regularly but are aware of Tenorio’s superstar athlete status in the sport, were taken by surprise by this shocking development.

No change in status for cancer in the Philippines

BASED on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with regard to the top three causes of death in the Philippines from January to September 2022, it showed ischemic or cardiovascular diseases, followed by cerebrovascular diseases, and neoplasms, commonly called “cancer,” as the top three killers in the country.

There were 77,173 cases recorded of ischemic heart diseases for a 18.5 percent share of the total deaths in the country, while cerebrovascular diseases was second with 42,890 deaths or 18.3-percent share. Cancer came a close third with 42,497 recorded cases for a 10.2-percent share.

The ranking was practically the same the previous year in the similar period, except that Covid-19 came in third at that time.

What’s surprising, however, was that colon cancer was recorded as the second most prevalent type of cancer in the country this year.

More common among other cancers

THE Cleveland Clinic says that colon cancer begins in the large intestine, when abnormal cell growths or polyps start to multiply in the colon lining and rectum. Like most cancers, when left untreated, this disease can spread to other parts of the body.

According to Dr. Kristine Monte, resident oncologist at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC), colon cancer is actually more common than we think. “We’re aware of all these cancers, breast cancer, of course, is the most prevalent. Then we have lung cancer, reproductive cancers like cervical, ovarian, and prostate cancer. However, colon cancer is actually more common than we think.”

She said that colon cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age group. “Even if a family has no history of colon cancer, an individual may still be at risk of developing it if he or she is prone to excessive drinking and smoking, consum - ing too much processed foods and red meat, are overweight or obese or have Type 2 diabetes,” according to Dr. Monte.

Raising awareness about colon cancer

IN order to help provide vital information, CSMC held a lay forum on colon cancer recently as part of the celebration of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the country. The forum focused on dispelling myths surrounding the illness and emphasized on the value of spreading awareness and the importance of regular screening to the public.

Dr. Monte reiterated that in order to prevent the onset of colon cancer, it is important to make the right changes to one’s lifestyle. “It’s important to maintain a normal weight and avoid becoming overweight or obese,” she said.

Among her recommendations regarding diet or food intake is to reduce consumption of red meat such as pork and beef, plus high-fat food items such as deep-fried food or fast food. “It is best to Increase intake of green leafy vegetables like pechay, lettuce, legumes and herbs and fiber-rich fruits like papaya, pineapple or mango.”

Also, among the big ideas to prevent colon cancer is to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcoholic beverages, and to do physical exercises regularly. She said at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily will already be a big help in maintaining a healthy weight.

Dr. Monte strongly encourages patients to consult their doctor, especially if their family has a history of colon cancer or they are experiencing unusual symptoms similar to those of colon cancer, such as persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel movement or rectal bleeding.

Early detection is key

WHEN asked how to detect colon cancer, Dr. Monte said colonoscopy remains as a recommended method. She said it helps doctors identify and diagnose colorectal cancers early on, which in turn, helps reduce cancer deaths and reduce the suffering experienced by patients. It is also advised, she added, that patients start regular colorectal cancer screening by the age of 50 and get Fecal Immunohistochemical Testing every year.

Other tests, like the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, CT Colonography, and Double Contrast Barium Enema should be done every five years, and Colonoscopies should be conducted every 10 years, Dr. Monte stated.

She underscored that two of CSMC’s flagship specializations are Oncology and Gastroenterology, so it’s safe to say that the institution is very much invested in people’s colorectal health. “We offer a variety of services such as the standard Colonoscopy, and we are very proud of the world-class facilities and expert clinicians we have in-house.”

Finally, Dr. Monte stressed that colon cancer is very much preventable if medical providers are able to catch and treat it immediately. “That’s why it’s so important to encourage regular screening for colon cancer.”

BARMM officials endorse and launch period tracker app for Bangsamoro girls

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

DATA f rom the Department of Education’s (DepEd) 2020-2021 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools monitoring report showed that one out of two girls have access to menstrual hygiene products in schools in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Likewise, there is also a lack of access to information on menstrual, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).

On the occasion of Women’s Month, the BARMM government endorsed the new Oky Philippines Period Tracker App in Cotabato City developed by the Bangsamoro Government, UNICEF and Plan International.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed a 6.6 percent rate of teenage pregnancy among the 15 to 19-year-old Bangsamoro girls, higher than the national average of 5.4 percent in 2022.

Girl-led design, gamified approach

O K y i s the world’s first period tracker app that features a girl-led design and gamified approach to learning about menstruation and SRHR.

T he launch event, “Okay sa Oky: Ang Period Tracker para sa Babaeng Bangsamoro, mula sa Babaeng

Bangsamoro,” raised awareness on issues and challenges surrounding Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH), particularly in the context of BARMM, and gave a preview of the app co-created with and for Bangsamoro girls.

It also marked the start of a wider initiative in the country to make this innovative digital solution accessible to all Filipino girls and women and provide them with girl-friendly information on menstruation, puberty, and reproductive health.

The global app has been localized in the Philippines through a partnership between UNICEF, Plan International and the BARMM Regional Government, with support from the Australian Government.

“The launch of the localized Oky app reaffirms the BARMM government’s commitment to promote the welfare and rights of young girls in the region. By providing the right information about girls’ menstrual health in line with Islamic principles and cultural practices, we hope to create a supportive environment for their health and well-being and encourage their full participation in educational opportunities,” said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.

Islamic content

T HE a pp comes with Islamic content developed through consultations with adolescent girls and boys in BARMM.

K ey government offices in BARMM including the Office of the Chief Minister, Bangsamoro DarulIfta, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Services and Development, Bangsamoro yo uth Council, and Bangsamoro Information Office played a major role in vetting Oky’s Islamic content and ensuring its alignment to Islamic teachings.

The localization of the Oky app in the Philippines is supported by the Australian Government as part of its AUD 48 million Indo-Pacific Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Covid-19 Response Program.

T he program includes support for countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

“Australia is proud to play a role in supporting the BARMM, UNICEF and Plan International to provide girls with this much needed digital tool to manage their own health and take charge of their own lives. The Oky App is a great example of how innovation and transformative technology helps create positive change for young women and girls to make informed choices,” said Ambassador to the Philippines HK yu

Localized app

M EANWHILE , UNICEF Mindanao Field Office Chief Radoslaw Rzehak congratulated the BARMM government for helping localize the Oky app in the country and championing every Bangsamoro girl’s access to evidence-based knowledge and information about menstruation.

“Ensuring access to trustworthy information on menstrual health is an important step in ending period stigma and ensuring adolescent girls’ right to health and dignity,” Rzehak said.

F or her part, Plan International Philippines Country Director Ana Maria Locsin said that their effort to provide a Filipino version of the Oky period tracker app is a fulfillment of their commitment to support girls and young women in the Philippines in realizing their right to manage their menstruation in a safe and healthy way, with dignity and without shame.

“How girls experience their period during those formative years can define their perception of life as a girl or woman in this society, and it is important that we take this step to make adolescent-friendly information on sexual and reproductive health more accessible,” said Locsin.

Oky Philippines is already available for download from the Google Play Store ( https://bit.ly/okyph).

To encourage more girls and young women to download the app and gain access to health and hygiene information right at their fingertips, the rollout of the app will follow in various communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

THE brain is the most delicate organ affected when stroke strikes. Once this medical emergency happens, arteries will either be blocked so that they fail to bring enough blood supply to the brain, or it can burst leading to internal hemorrhage in the gray matter.

Chances are limited to remedy this. First is by way of clots removal from the brain via thrombolytics. Second is by taking clot-busting medicines, which only works if the patient is brought in not later than three hours when the symptoms start to manifest. Beyond such time up to 24 hours, endovascular intervention like mechanical thrombectomy can remove the clot that is clogging up the artery.

In case the patient goes further the prescribed time, opportunities for medical treatment decrease. Surgical and medical options that are in place are all well and good, but they require time. So everyone is advised to think twice of their health now and bid adieu to their bad habits related to risks of having it. It’s a serious thing that should not be taken for granted.

Case of a British stroke patient

AT the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC), there came a 71-year-old man from Great Britain, who had a couple of stroke episodes within two weeks. He was incapable of moving physically upon his arrival. Other than that, he also had other complications, such as bladder cancer, heart problems, and a weak body because of his senior age.

Given his situation, the British post-stroke patient and his family could not wish for more than the stability of his condition anew. His case was handled by neurologist Dr. Josephine Tuason, who took note of all his medical history to determine the best medical option for him.

When he stabilized, she ordered a diagnostic test to find out the principal cause of the patient’s stroke. The finding was that an artery on the right side of his brain was completely obstructed, leading to lack of blood supply. If left untreated, it could cause permanent damage because of dead brain cells.

Seeing his past medical records, Dr. Tuason already knew that he could not survive another stroke. Hence, she gathered a multidisciplinary team of experts to search for a solution to save the patient without compromising his other secondary illnesses.

So he underwent to a cerebral catheter angiogram performed by Dr. Francis Santiago, an endovascular surgeon. An MR perfusion or a specialized magnetic resonance technique that helps diagnose conditions in the braind, likewise, was done. The team then identified one medical procedure that could bring him quality of life again and lessen the chances of a repeat stroke.

But such an operation is not widely performed for such cases in the Philippines, thus, making his wife initially reject it. Determined to cure the patient, Dr. Tuason and her team explained that this will not only stabilize her husband; it will also increase his chances to regain quality of life and combat post-stroke effects. Slowly, he will move again and the probability of a stroke will significantly decrease. All these had his wife take a leap of faith later, and then accepted the presented medical choice.

Advance method

AS the patient’s family finally agreed to medical team’s proposed procedure, Dr. Tuason sought for the conduct of a complete workup to check his eligibility to go through a breakthrough procedure at AHMC: cerebral bypass surgery.

This is aimed at restoring good blood flow to the brain by changing the blocked artery with a brand-new one taken from the patient’s scalp. This will, then, be linked to the brain arteries via tiny sutures using a very fine thread that’s hardly visible to the naked eye. Once connected, it should give the patient rapid improvement in blood flow.

Dr. Guillermo Victorino Liabres, the hospital’s cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, did the surgery. He is completely trained to do so and is the pioneer in consistently successful extracranial-intracranial bypass surgeries in the country.

“What we can do in the heart, we can now do in the brain,” Dr. Tuason said, while citing that akin to a heart bypass, they also stopped more damage to the patient’s brain by fully replacing the clogged artery that quickly restored good blood stream.

In return, it reduced the side effects of stroke and accelerate the patient’s recovery. In fact, he could feel movements on the left side of his body in just two days after the surgery. He could then move his lower extremities after two week. What’s more, the frequency of taking medicine became less, and the potential of developing another stroke attack tremendously went down—thanks to his new unclogged artery.

AHMC’s Asian Brain Institute continuously looks at advancing medical cures for neurologic conditions and guarantees that patients will have end-to-end treatment plans comparable with global standards while near their homes. For more details, call (02)8771-9000 local 5913.