 Basic facts about Cancer and it’s National Prevalence  Cancer is limited thus recovery is possible  Our Body, Mind and Spirit are closely interconnected thus recovery is possible  The decision to become “Patient-Active” is a promising first step towards recovery.  The broader definition of “Recovery”

 Cancer Large group of malignant tumors characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells with lethal potential -The Philippine Handbook of Clinical Oncology Cancer has MULTIFACTORIAL causes

 Cancer 75% of all cancers occur >50y.o. 4% occur in children -The Philippine Handbook of Clinical Oncology

 Cancer The 3 rd leading cause of death in the Philippines  189 Filipinos per 100,000 population (1998 figure) 1 out of 5 Filipinos who would live to age 74 would develop Cancer

Leading Cancer in Filipino Males 1. Lung 2. Liver 3. Prostate

Leading Cancer in Filipino Females 1. Breast 2. Cervix Uteri 3. Lung

Poor Survival from Cancer was related to 1. Advanced stage of disease 2. Incomplete treatment 3. Inadequate supportive care due to economic constraints

World Health Organization definition of Palliative care:  "the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment…..The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best possible quality of life for patients and their families… Many aspects of palliative care are also applicable earlier in the course of the illness, in conjunction with anticancer treatment … Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery have a place in palliative care, provided that the symptomatic benefits of treatment clearly outweigh the disadvantages….." -W.H.O. 1990

It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope, It cannot corrode faith, It cannot eat away peace, It cannot destroy confidence, It cannot kill friendship,

It cannot shut out memories, It cannot silence courage, It cannot invade the soul, It cannot reduce eternal life, It cannot quench the Spirit, It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.

In view of the eternal plan of God has for our life, cancer is pretty powerless. Don't lose your perspective!

 Strong scientific studies in Psycho- Neuro-Immunolgy  “Women who participated in the support group had lived an average of 18months longer than those who had not…”- David Speigel, Standford University

A snapshot of the basic stress response, and what goes on: Your body tries to get back to normal  Adrenaline surges  Breathing becomes rapid and shallow  Heart rate increases  Blood pressure rises  Blood sugar levels increase  Immune systems is overworked

"People with cancer who participate in their fight for recovery from cancer will improve the quality of their life and may enhance the possibility of their recovery." -Harold Benjamin, Ph.D, founder of The Wellness Community (TWC) June 1982Harold Benjamin, Ph.D,

"Patient Active" is someone who considers themselves part of the fight for recovery along with their physicians and health care team. A Patient Active also adopts a series of actions, behaviors and attitudes that will improve the quality of his or her life and may enhance the possibility of recovery. Patient Active Concept…

 Body  Mind  Spirit  Soul