Written by MSD in the Philippines
Nobody wants to hear the term cancer. It is a single word that carries so much weight. For some, it feels like a death sentence. For others, it means financial strain. And for many, it marks the beginning of a long, unpredictable journey filled with uncertainty. But while navigating a cancer diagnosis is never easy, it does not mean that all hope is lost.
Renowned Filipino violinist John Lesaca is a testament to this. Last May, he talked about his cancer diagnosis for the very first time as he spoke at the 1st Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit.
“I have lymphoma,” he revealed to a stunned crowd as he detailed his diagnosis of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma – a rare and slow-growing form of blood cancer. With this condition, white blood cells turn into cancer cells and build up in the bone marrow or other parts of the body.
Unlike most cancers, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma’s rarity means that it has no standard staging system. Instead, it is scored based on prognosis—low, intermediate, and high-risk. Lesaca was diagnosed with intermediate-risk disease.
Learning about it raised many necessary questions. The violinist vowed to face his condition head-on, but what exactly would that battle look like? How would his loved ones handle the diagnosis in the long run? How would it affect his health, career, finances, and overall quality of life?
A relatively unspoken truth about dealing with cancer is that it covers more than just health. “Initially, I was hesitant to announce in public that I have cancer because I knew it would slow me down,” Lesaca said in a recent interview. He talked about the balancing act between having to get treatment, needing to work to afford medical care, and being unable to interact with people as he used to due to his immunocompromised status. As a musician who also happened to be a people person, living with these simultaneous realities was tough.
Lesaca’s story likely reflects that of many patients battling cancer as well. Life as they know it is turned upside down, and days look much different than they were.
These experiences played an integral part in pushing Lesaca to become an advocate to raise awareness about the disease. “Because of my personal experience with cancer, I have this very real concern for other patients and survivors,” he shared. He now uses his music not only as a livelihood and a creative outlet for his condition but also as his way of giving inspiration to those fighting cancer. Lesaca works with several organizations to further his advocacy and plays music to raise funds for children who have cancer – especially those who are already in palliative care. This, he says, is his way of caring and inviting other people to do the same. “I urge you: start caring,” he emphasized.
Winning the war against cancer, one battle at a time
According to the latest data from the World Health Organization’s Global Cancer Observatory (WHO GLOBOCAN) dated 2022, there were over 188,000 recorded cancer cases in the country. Of these, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers have the most recorded cases and deaths.
Another relatively common cancer in the country is cervical cancer. Data from last year states that it is the second most prevalent form of women’s cancer in the country, taking the lives of around 12 women every day. Caused by infections from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer involves mutations in the cervix cells. It persists as a dangerous condition for Filipino women, despite the fact that it is one of the most preventable cancers. An HPV vaccination, particularly between the ages of 9 to 14, is essential to protect against this infection as it has an up-to 93% efficacy rate among recipients.
Knowing these positive outcomes prompted multiple activities to aid cancer prevention in the country. School-based immunization (SBI) programs were initiated by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to combat various diseases that vaccines prevent, such as cervical cancer. Local governments like Quezon City also conducted breast and cervical cancer screenings to push early detection and raise cancer awareness.
Passing the National Integrated Cancer Control Act in 2019 was another major step towards cancer elimination, including cervical cancer. Its promises of improving care access, offering financial support, and setting up proper policies for prevention and control go a long way in forwarding how the country handles the disease on a nationwide scale.
Advocates like Lesaca are fully aware that more years are needed for laws like these to create a concrete and widespread impact among actual patients, though.
Thankfully, some progress is being made with the DOH and World Health Organization (WHO) launching a four-year National Integrated Cancer Control Program Strategic Framework earlier this year. It implements a longer-term strategy for cancer control, covering the latter part of this decade.
Players from the private sector have been busy as well. MSD in the Philippines is one, holding regular events and forums surrounding cancer while spearheading open conversations about the disease and what it’s like to live with it.
Although the road remains long, there is hope. “We all have to work in cooperation with one another, and with a sense of humanity in our hearts, play our part in the fight against this serious condition,” said Lesaca.
The large-scale efforts are becoming more and more present, but on an individual scale, what can we do? Lesaca wants the focus to be on caring.
Everyone must do their part. These are the large institutions who conduct local, regional, or nationwide efforts against cancer, healthcare professionals who provide care and treatment, communities who offer support to one another, and everybody else.
Whether you have cancer, are caring for someone who does, or if you simply know or have a loved one with the disease, be a source of love and care – for yourself, for patients, for survivors. That way we can create a support system that ensures more fulfilling lives and fruitful years with those who are closest to us.
PH-NON-01067
