The Medical City Cancer Program- A Wise Decision

Testing positive for the Big C is indeed a devastating news to anyone. It brings drastic changes to a person- physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. It also affects the people around him or her.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. It is probable that you have known someone who suffered from it; I am very sad to have some relatives who had this disease.

Last April 14, 2015, we attended the media conference on the Impact of Early Screening of Cancer in The Medical City. Before attending this, I have been to this hospital many times, visiting an acupuncturist and an OB-Gyne. You may also know, that it was where the legendary Pinoy rapper Francis Magalona sought treatment.

TMC has some cancer support groups that meet regularly. I also know that The Medical City has been very active and helpful to the community, giving educational classes  with FREE snacks! See, I have shared this on my Instagram LAST YEAR, without me knowing that one day I would attend their media conference- https://instagram.com/p/pYXcLaOR52/?taken-by=pisceanrat

The doctors delivered their talk and then we had a chance to ask questions.
Among those we learned are:

• The Medical City- first hospital in the country to develop a Cancer Program.
• The Medical City- only hospital in the Philippines with colorectal clinic.
• The Medical City breast clinic difference- doctors who focus on breast, most number of female breast surgeons, most number of breast conservation in the country.
• The Medical City- only hospital in the Philippines with EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound).
• By low-dose CT scan of the chest- screening for lung cancer (meaning, the test for normal individuals without symptoms but who are at high risk). EBUS, on the other hand, is a diagnostic tool for patients with lung abnormalities that need to be biopsied.
• The Medical City offers a unique, multidisciplinary team approach to Cancer Care- Preventive, Screening (for healthy persons), Early Diagnosis (persons feeling symptoms), Management of Treatment Complications, Management of Patient's Post Treatment Care, Palliative Care.
• Science of Cancer- statistics, evidence of majority.
• Cancer Factors- 1. Age (one of the cells miss a beat), 2. Lifestyle (food, stress) and Environment, 3. Genetics (in the family).
• Cancer Statistics- 1. Lung 2. Breast 3. Colorectal
• When I asked if  biopsy angers the benign (noncancerous) tumor to become malignant (cancerous)? Answer was- NO! Doctors will not treat if there is no proof that there is cancer. They will not recommend chemo if they do not know the type of cancer. Biopsy is important. It might be possible that the screening came too late, and by the time of the biopsy, the cancerous cells had already spread out.
• They shared that in other countries, cancer patients do not look for the best surgeon, but rather choose the best PROGRAM or HOSPITAL to go to.

Left to Right- Dr. Christine L. Chavez, Head, Lung Unit, Center for Cancer Care and Research, Dr. Manuel Francisco T. Roxas, Consultant Director, Colorectal Clinic, Mr. Roberto C. Posadas, Jr.- Manager, Center for Cancer Care and Research.

Please check out their Media Release for full information-
http://www.pisceanrat.blogspot.com/2015/04/early-diagnosis-treatment-best.html

Thank you for the token, The Medical City, Where Patients are Partners!

The Medical City is located in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines. Phone number- (+632) 988-1000 or (+632) 988-7000 (ext 6214).
Website- www.themedicalcity.com Email- mail@medicalcity.com.ph