Life is not always smooth-sailing. Every day, we are bound to face various trials and difficulties that test our character. Sometimes dealing with them takes only a little effort. At other times, like when cancer invades our life, we need all the strength and optimism we possess.


Live with cancer

The pain and discomfort, the fear of death, the feeling of helplessness – all these make cancer difficult to bear. Coping with the disease requires a lot of physical, emotional, spiritual, and social adjustments.

But even as our coping strategies may vary, it should always begin with brave acceptance because this is a positive way to approach the body’s healing process.

Thanks to modern medicine and technology, cancer is now curable. There are millions of people across the world today for whom cancer is nothing but a memory. These cancer-survivors are happily sharing their inspiring stories of victory over the dreaded disease and declaring how cancer has renewed their faith and appreciation for life, and revitalized their relationships with friends, family, and loved ones.


Reach out to your allies

The best care for cancer is achieved through a multi-disciplinary treatment approach. Aside from your medical team, joining cancer networks provides you strength, moral and spiritual guidance.

Cancer networks provide environments conducive to both cancer patients and their families. They are an infinite source of motivation to continue the war against cancer. Through these groups, composed of cancer survivors, family members, and friends, you can increase your knowledge about your disease, develop a more forward-looking attitude, and be encouraged to courageously carry on.

Here in the Philippines, there are many cancer support organizations, mostly having joint activities with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS). For more information about them and other cancer networks, you may ask your physician or PCS or check out other cancer-related websites.

Lastly, let your family and friends support you in your journey toward recovery. You do not have to fight cancer alone. Your loved ones will always be there for encouragement and strength throughout your healing process.  Indeed there is life after cancer.


Cultivate a positive outlook

A positive attitude is invaluable in restoring your overall well-being. How your body reacts to treatment, how your mind and spirit prepare for the emotional challenges, and even how your family copes with your illness, are all dependent on your disposition. Deal with cancer gracefully, confidently, and with dignity. Continue to live your life to the fullest. Cancer counselors confirm that a person’s determination to survive is an effective cancer cure in itself. Keep that burning desire to live! Your yearning to see and experience the beauty of the world will shine through and hasten your recuperation.

And don’t forget: throughout your healing process, let your faith and spirituality  be your source of strength. 


Face a New Day

As a cancer survivor, your main goal is to maintain control over your health to the best of your ability.

Follow-up Care – regular medical follow-up care is necessary to closely monitor disease status and treatment response.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle – a healthy lifestyle consisting of a healthy diet, appropriate physical exercise, no cigarette/tobacco smoking, minimal alcohol consumption, and clean sex is very important.


Healthy Eating

• Check with your doctor for any food or diet restrictions.
• Ask your dietitian to help you create a nutritious, balanced eating plan.
• Choose a variety of foods from all the food groups and plan a well-balanced meal
• Eat generous servings of fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables.
• Eat plenty of high-fiber foods, such as whole grain breads and cereals.
• Lessen your fat intake.
• Choose low-fat milk and dairy products.
• Avoid salt-cured, smoked, and pickled foods.

Share your story and bring hope

Cancer has a way of making people pay attention to what is more important in life. Personal relationships become more meaningful. Love and appreciation for life is renewed. Surviving cancer is a sign of strength, endurance, and dignity. As a person with such qualities and new learnings, you are in an ideal position to help other cancer patients in their need for information and inspiration. You are the best voice for cancer awareness.

Help raise cancer consciousness among people around the world by sharing your stories, volunteering in cancer networks, and providing encouragement and inspiration to cancer patients in your community. Share your rewarding and meaningful journey to them and bring hope.

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