The Deadly One: Lung Cancer

Worldwide, Lung Cancer is by far the number one cause of cancer-related deaths. In the Philippines according to DOST:

In the Philippines, lung cancer is also the top cause of cancer-related deaths among men, and the third cause of cancer deaths among women, outranked by breast and cervical cancer. Health experts estimate that 10 Filipinos die of smoking-related diseases every hour. Lung cancer deaths in the Philippines numbered 8,518 in the country, according to the data published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

See that? EVERY HOUR ain't that terrifying? and CIGARETTE SMOKING is the number one factor for these deaths. Almost 90% of lung cancer detection is caused by cigarette smoking or secondhand smoking.

The two types of lung cancer, which grow and spread differently, are small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). This cancer cells spread along the neighboring tissues/organs. There no signs and symptoms in the very early stages of this cancer. If the cancer has metastasized, symptoms would show like dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, wheezing, chest pain and even hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

This cancer is a fast killer. You may see the patient losing weight gradually because there is decrease of appetite. Also, the cough gets worse.

Most patients are given 2-3 months to live upon diagnosis and that's really short. These days, time passes by so fast. Laboratory tests and doctor consultations are very expensive. So, this is what we say in our country, "Bawal magkasakit" (an ad from a medicine). We need to take care of ourselves. We will not be able to breathe properly and even talk properly.

I am not saying that only smoking causes lung cancer but this is a message to those who smoke and live with someone who smokes, please be careful. Take care of your body. It is God's temple. Even though, I cannot take away the things you want to do with your life and I can't tell tell you what to do, you can never take back the things you wish you never did that's reality . Trust me, It has never been easy to witness and take care of someone experiencing that disease. I, for one, know for a fact that there is a very little chance of survival and a miracle would do the work and FAITH is healing.

This blog is a tribute to my very brave grandfather , Papa Felix who passed last December 11, 2017 because of Lung Cancer. To who we would never forget our wonderful moments together. Me growing up, achieving greatness and you bragging my achievements. I love you papa and I miss you.