Quit Smoking Quitting Cancer

According to a study sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute that a number of diagnosed cancer patient decided not to cease smoking gaining support from the significant others despite of the danger it could bring.

 Ancient Egypt believed that Cancer was caused by gods. Early recording shows that in 1500 B.C., the oldest case of cancer was documented in Egypt. The said recording on a papyrus showed how they discover ways on how to differentiate malignant from benign tumors.

Nowadays, a number of researches are being done in order to find ways in preventing its occurrence or to promote and improve quality of life despite of being diagnose of having such disease.

In 2008, WHO listed Trachea, bronchus, lung cancers as the top 8 caused of death in the world. Despite of the effort of health care advocate in eradicating and finding means in order to lessen its mortality and occurrence it is still considered one of the caused of fatality.

Somehow considering the Theory of Nola Pender on Health Education that Disease Prevention and Promotion of Wellness should be the top priority before Curing illness.

One of the topmost causes of cancer is cigarette smoking. In a factsheet presented by the National Cancer Institute it has been found out that 7,000 chemicals can be found in a stick of a tobacco cigarette and 250 of these chemicals are considered harmful to human body.

In the same fact sheet, it has been known that there are 69 chemicals which one can have from cigarette smoking. Facts will show that both smokers and smokers could be harm by such chemicals.

What are the possible gains if a diagnosed patient would decide to stop or avoid smoking?

Maybe it would be too difficult to explain and convince that these gains are true. Cessation to smoking would mean there will be a decreased risk or prevention of secondary complication to cancer; respiratory tract will be free from any obstruction leading to easier breathing, in relation to easier breathing, circulation would be better and oxygen distribution to the entire body will be guaranteed, and of course the treatment will be more effective and Neoplastic medication will be more efficient.

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Are You Eating Cancer?

        Most experts  say that  cancer  occurs  due to poor dietary habits. This means that people prone to eating without consideration of its kind or contents are prone to having cancer. About 35% or a quarter of the total number of cancer mortality cases has been associated to poor diet as the primary cause. Furthermore, researches say high fat diet has increased the risk to cancer.

       Fat intake is highly  related to emergence of cancer.  Low Density Lipid  (LDL) is needed for a cancer cell to grow. While one is enjoying a high fat diet from fast food, for example, there is an increase production of bile which is necessary in the digestion of fat. The over production of bile will cause congestion in the large intestine that could be converted to a Apcholic Acid,  a proven carcinogen. Without one knowing, the higher they are inclined to such comfort foods, the higher their risk of having cancer.

       Therefore, it is just right to think twice on being smart in choosing our diet. Meals taken should be well planned and balanced in terms of nutrition. Now there are some thoughts to ponder when planning what to eat.

      Good Fat versus Bad Fat.  Too much of everything is not good. A principle applying on our choice of food. Fat is also an essential component but  should be taken in moderation. Good fats include oils that can be found in fish, seafood, and legumes. These types of oil are proven to decrease the risk of having a cancer especially on women who are at risk for breast cancer. 

      Keeping Fiber Alive. High fiber diet guarantees effective elimination. With effective elimination, carcinogens has less contact with the intestinal wall which then lessens the risk for developing cancer. Fiber enables the  growth of good bacteria in the intestines inhibiting growth of carcinogens in the intestine.

     Strength of Antioxidants. It is necessary to ensure that the immune system is always healthy. One of the most effective way of boosting the immune system is eating foods rich in antioxidants. They will  serve as buffer that prevents harmful radicals from destroying healthy cells. Antioxidants will convert these harmful radical into a waste products which will be eliminated in the body.

      It is best to plan diet with your physician if you have been diagnosed to have cancer.We are what we eat so we should plan it well. A cancer-free life is a life lived well.

Out Patient Chemotherapy

      For 4 days, I will be on hospital duty orientation. Together with other clinical instructors Don Bansuan, Lloyd Lepiten, Chona Barrun and PJ Arrangues, we will be acquainting ourselves with the  Out-Patient Chemotherapy Infusion Room of  Davao Doctors Hospital, the FIRST and the ONLY one in Mindanao.

     It has followed the regulations being set by PhilHealth, allowing more safety area for the nurses in preparation and administration of this drugs. Chemotherapeutic drugs are toxic in nature and  the preparation should not be anymore be done in clinics or bedside of the patient.

Chemotherapy cycles, depending on drugs and the case, or  hours of infusion varies and may range as little as 3 hours which means that there is no need for the patient to be admitted in the hospital.

Patients are also kept comfortable with Lazyboy couches which can be reclined when they want to lie while the treatment is going on. The room is also air-conditioned  with one TV to give the place a homey feel. For the meantime, both adult and pediatric cancer patients are treated in the same infusion room but a separation of the two will materialize soon.

I observed the facility more today and the process much more than the patients. We weren't allowed to deal with the patients much . I wanted to watch the insertion of a Porta-cath today, one of the central lines inserted in the upper chest and  just below the clavicle or the collar bone.

Earlier, we got more familiar with the common used chemotherapy drugs and those that values as high as P 300,000 per vial. Yes, there are people who can buy that given at the rate twice a week.

      The unit is one very hepflul area for many cancer patients. I believe, that this again will boost the level of medical competence of the hospital also. More than that, a place of hope for patients who is fighting for one disease feared by many because of its unpredictability.

   I have 2 cancer stories to share making me appreciate the treatment. It has taught me to appreciate science and its quest to augmenting one cancer patient's life to a lot more year. It has taught me of the value of the facility being able to understand the care of the cancer patients.

    I still have 3 days to more to this area which I learned does not allow students inside due to probably of the small space. However, they can be called to observe  minor procedures such as Bone Marrow Aspiration.

    Tomorrow is another day. Earlier, we dealt with Liver Ca, Breast Ca, Multiple Myeloma.  Tomorrow will be another round of nursing care for patients with cancer again..another round of learning..and another round of appreciating life.