Regional Program Manager of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Francisco de Vera Jr. leads the distribution of health kits to cancer patients of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center.
AS part of the National Cancer Awareness Month this February, the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region through the Non-communicable unit today distributed 160 health kits to cancer patients of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) that will help in preventing infections to those undergoing chemotherapy.
“The best way to protect one’s self from infection during cancer treatment is by practicing good hygiene such as hand-washing to prevent the spread of infection. The various hygiene practices such as taking a bath regularly and tooth brushing contribute to the reduction of cancer in the body,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated.
“These kits will provide the necessary supplies to complement the hygiene process a cancer patient need to perform. Napakaimportante na sila ay malinis sa panilang pangangatawan upang masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan sa anuang infection na maaaring dumapo habang sila ay napapa-chemotherapy.”
The package includes supplies such as germicidal soap, toothpaste with toothbrush and alcohol to complement basic hygiene practices like hand washing, keeping mouth healthy, and caring for minor cuts and wounds.
Regional Program Manager of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Francisco de Vera Jr., said that the distribution of health kits is way of showing care and concern for patients diagnosed with cancer.
“This well-considered care package can be helpful and special to people who are going through cancer treatment,” he added.
According to the DOH Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS), cancer has been the third leading cause of mortality in region 1 from 2016-2020.
Among the top 10 most common cancers are breast, cervix uteri, colorectum, Corpus Uteri, leukemia, liver, lung, ovary, prostate, and thyroid cancer. Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate and lung cancer has the highest mortality rate.
Around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity.
