Proclamation No. 1348 in 1974 declares the third week of January as the National Cancer Consciousness Week. This is to increase public awareness of the dangers of cancer including its prevention and control, with the right information. To add, the Cancer Coalition of the Philippines (CCP), shares that cancer is a “growing and serious public health concern” that needs an urgent action by individuals, families, and communities.

Cancer starts anywhere in the human body. When this disease develops, cells become more abnormal, old, damaged cells survive and fresh cells form even when they are not needed. This abnormality can cause growths called tumors. Cancerous tumors are malignant, which means they can spread into, or invade, nearby tissues. In addition, as these tumors grow, some cancer cells can break off and travel to distant places in the body through the blood or the lymph system and form new tumors far from the original tumor. Common sites of cancer include the lungs, colorectum and breast. Risk factors of cancer include tobacco, alcohol, infections, obesity, ultraviolet rays and occupational risk.

Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in the Philippines with approximately 141,021 cases and a total of 82,337 cancer deaths in 2019 according to the World Health Organization. According to Philippine Statistics Authority, one out of 10 deaths in the country is due cancer and the Philippine Cancer Society Inc. (PCSI) reported that 91 percent of cancers occur between the ages of 35 and above.

People who have underlying conditions like cancer are prone to the coronavirus disease which may turn out to developing severe complications. This risk may be attributable also to the state of the patients’ underlying malignancy, treatment, or both.

In this celebration, we heal as one as we fight against the Big C in this time of the pandemic. Here are the following pointers discussed by Dr. Jan Paolo P. Dipasupil, Obesity and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist during the Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon Year 10 Episode 44 interview and recommendations of National Nutrition Council on “DETOX DIET? TANUNGIN SI DOK”:

• Toxins are harmful substances that may cause various illnesses. One of the worst kinds of toxins are the carcinogenic substances that cause cancers such as those found in cigarettes.
• Detoxification or detox diets are gaining popularity because of the increasing rates of cancer and chronic lifestyle diseases. These are short term or fad diets that use a mix of fasting, juicing of fruits and vegetables, and the consumption of herbal teas and supplements for a certain period to remove toxins from the body.
• Some detox diets claim to have positive effects on health such as helping the liver and kidneys relax, weight loss and improving health conditions of persons with chronic diseases. However, there are still little to no significant studies or evidences to prove these claims.
• The body can naturally detoxify itself with the help of these four vital organs: 1) lungs filter the air and release carbon dioxide; 2) colon absorbs the nutrients from food and eliminates waste products; 3) liver filters the blood and nutrients digested by the colon. Bad substances are immediately removed; and 4) kidneys filter the fluids that we drink, and waste products are excreted in the form of urine.
• A healthy body functions well in naturally detoxifying itself. To support this, it is essential to have a healthy, balanced diet following the principles of nutrition: moderation, variety and balance. Use the Pinggang Pinoy as food guide and eat substantial amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, red or brown rice, and foods rich in protein.
• Drinking 10 or more glasses of water every day is still the best way to detox. Avoid consuming too much soft drinks, milk teas, instant coffees, and energy drinks.
• Limit consumption of highly processed food products, junk foods, and pastries.
• To check hydration status, clear to yellowish urine means that the individual is properly hydrated. Darker urine may indicate dehydration. Very clear urine due to excessive drinking of water may also be detrimental because it may be flushing out electrolytes that are needed by the body.
• Achieve at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. It would also help to detox from digital screens. Limit the screen time to two hours a day only.
• Make it a habit check the front labels and read the nutrition facts at the back. Be cautious about products that claim to cleanse or detoxify specific organs such as the kidneys, lungs or liver because as of today, there is still no existing evidence of any product that could do such. These claims are misleading.
• It is advisable to prepare own fruit or vegetable juices instead of buying them. Just be reminded that although this may be a good way to start a healthy lifestyle, juicing should not be done on a daily basis. In addition, nutrients such as fiber and some antioxidants are removed in the juicing process, therefore, it is better to shake fruits and vegetables which retains the pulp and fiber or better yet, eat the fruits and vegetables as is.
• Assess the credibility of food products advertised in social media using correct information and not just basing on the testimonies or endorsements of social media influencers. Check the background of the endorser or source of the product information.
• Healthcare professionals are the best persons to consult regarding healthy diet and lifestyle practices. Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians provide individualized diets to suit the needs of patients especially those diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or cancer. On the other hand, doctors give out advice and recommendations with regard to necessary lifestyle changes.

Cancer brings burden to the affected individuals and their families physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. But we can reduce the risk by starting the healthy living and ending the unhealthy habit. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi, RND)

References:

Dizonh, N. (25 September 2017). 7 adults die every hour, 8 children die of cancer daily in PH, says group. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/933069/7-adults-die-every-hour-8-children-die-of-cancer-daily-in-ph-says-group

National Cancer Institute. (9 February 2015). What is Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer

Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon Year 10. (2020 February 22). #RadyoMoSaNutrisyonYr10 clarified the issues regarding detoxification diet with Episode 44, “DETOX DIET? TANUNGIN SI DOK” [Facebook status update]. Retrieved from https://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2010/03/how-to-cite-facebook-fan-pages-group-pages-and-profile-information.html

Tacio, H. (27 September 2018). Cancer: 18.1 million new cases, 9.6 million deaths. Retrieved from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2018/09/27/cancer-18-1-million-new-cases-9-6-million-deaths/

Ting, F. I., Sacdalan, D. B., Abarquez, H. S., & Uson, A. J. (2020). Treatment of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Ecancermedicalscience, 14, 1040. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2020.1040

World Health Organization. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/cancer/country-profiles/PHL_2020.pdf