Holistic approach to cancer care at Asian Hospital

Dr. Rodelio Bito, section head of Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Center for Executive Check-Up

Dr. Gabriel Natividad, chair of the Tumor Committee of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Cancer continues to be a daunting challenge in the global medical community. The incidence of cancer deaths worldwide remains on the rise despite aggressive campaign on cancer prevention and treatment. In 2004 alone, about 7.4 million patients worldwide have been reported to have died of cancer-related illnesses, according to data from the World Health Organization. The WHO, in its report, predicted that the number of cancer-related deaths will continue to rise and is feared to reach 12 million by the year 2030.

The Philippines is not spared by these alarming findings. Dr. Gabriel Natividad, chair of the Tumor Committee of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, related that cancer is becoming prevalent in the country, ranking second to heart disease and stroke as a cause of death among Filipinos. People should know that cancer can actually be prevented.

“With the rising incidence of cancer in the country, there is a need to focus on cancer care, particularly educate the public on measures that should be undertaken in order to prevent cancer. As a world-class medical institution, Asian Hospital has always been at the forefront of providing patient education and excellent medical care to help patients adopt a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Natividad.

Dr. Rodelio Bito, section head of Asian Hospital’s Center for Executive Check-Up, related that cancer is a lifestyle-related disease that can be prevented through lifestyle modification.

“Genetics, of course is an inevitable factor, but what should be noted is that 30% of cancer deaths can be prevented if we all just live a healthy lifestyle. Since cancer is a lifestyle-related disease, high-risk behaviors such as smoking, diet, sexual activity, pollution and occupational exposure can contribute in the development of cancer-related illness in the future,” explained Dr. Bito.

Another cause for concern is the lack of a comprehensive program on the management and treatment of cancer. Added Dr. Bito, “It is sad that majority of patients today don’t get access to expert cancer care. Most of them don’t know the signs and symptoms of cancer, what to do if they are diagnosed with one, and how they can effectively manage and cope with their illness.”

With these concerns in mind, the Asian Hospital has drummed up all its efforts in ensuring to provide comprehensive cancer care among patients. Through its Tumor Committee, a holistic approach to cancer care has been devised to ensure that Filipinos have access to cancer care – from preventing the disease to management and providing comfort to those who are in the late stage of the disease.

The Asian Hospital Tumor Committee oversees all the programs in the hospital relating to cancer care. Through the Committee, a one-stop shop approach to cancer care was conceptualized to ensure that patients are guided accordingly whether they want to prevent getting cancer or to receive effective medical care.

In the prevention of the dreaded disease, the hospital offers the Lifestyle Medicine Program, which focuses on preventing the development of cancer by encouraging patients to change their lifestyle habits. This is offered through the newly opened Lifestyle Medicine Center, where patients can get help in eating right and adopting an active lifestyle as well as getting assistance in screening for cancer. The hospital puts emphasis in undergoing a screening program to educate patients on cancer prevention and early detection.

For patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, the hospital offers a Multidisciplinary Approach for Cancer Treatment. Backed up by all the cancer specialists of the hospital and utilizing all its state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, the hospital ensures a multispecialty approach where patients can get convenient access to expert treatment and world-class services to help them manage and treat their illness.

For patients diagnosed in the late stage of cancer, Asian Hospital and Medical Center Palliative Care Section open its door to provide quality of life care and address end-of-life concerns of patients and their families.

“From preventing the disease to diagnosis, to treatment and management, to helping them cope with end-of-life issues, the Asian Hospital, through the Tumor Committee, is meeting the challenge upfront to provide the best cancer care to patients through a holistic, team-based and multidisciplinary approach,” concluded Dr. Natividad.

For more information on cancer care at Asian Hospital, call 771-9000 or visit its website at www.asianhospital.com.