Person First, Cancer Second
In the center of humanity stands a glitch masking itself as part of the blueprint—a glitch called cancer.
Stories of this “mutated cell disease” live rent-free in anecdotes, obituaries, and in the memories of loved ones. Yet, oddly enough, we often only hear the two endings: survival and tragedy.
Maybe it’s time to hear its origin, or at least point out how cancer is able to manifest within a person so quietly and without notice.
It starts with how we cope.
It’s that moment when we sacrifice sleep for something else.
You know… the extra hours we spend for the job, followed by the unhealthy comfort food or vices that we reward ourselves. With exhaustion that seems relentless, coping mechanisms become habitual and eventually form into a lifestyle.
You see, Filipinos are naturally adaptable. They often disguise their fatigue as a form of love and sacrifice. And while that’s noble and endearing, that’s also how cancer masks itself: pretending to be a “normal” part of an organ or tissue then slowly takes over it.
We pretend that our baggy eyes can be covered with enough makeup.
We rely on coffee or maybe a sweet drink to boost our mood.
We try to get used to five hours of sleep and believe that it’s “enough”.
We assume that working hard means putting off rest only for the weekends.
And we tell ourselves that we have no choice.
Honestly, sometimes I think we forget that we’re all just human.
Still, in this economy, blaming ourselves is hardly fair.
Truth be told, rest can sometimes feel like a luxury in a culture constantly hustling.
While there is no direct link between stress and cancer itself (as several studies suggest), we should never underestimate stress’ capability. As we grow resilient in the struggles we experience, too much strain—physical, mental, or emotional—can still break one’s spirit in a way that no amount of sleep can fix.
Hence, it’s only right to remind everyone to take TRUE HOLISTIC REST—one that restores energy, decompresses the nervous system, and fills the heart with vitality.
Rest is cyclical by nature. Energy levels operate in waves of high and low—a system that makes us human. That’s exactly how we should consider rest: we fully unwind after every high activity, so as to boost our immunity and give those cancer cells the chance to self-destruct (apoptosis).
With this in mind, we can assume that cancer care begins at the earliest opportunity.
But the question still stands: what if one is already diagnosed?
In the Philippines, many navigate cancer alone. It’s not just the regret of living the unideal lifestyle that isolates them emotionally, or the lack of funds of the middle class that stumps their hope. It’s the lack of support. According to Ms. Tef Valentino, Executive Director of PCS Cancer Commission Foundation,
“Cancer exposes gaps not only in our healthcare system, but in our systems of compassion and coordination.”
As she shared her story in caring for her late father (who had late-stage lung cancer), she mentioned how it’s their community that helped them through the journey.
So imagine what it’s like for other patients and families who might not have had the same support system.
More than medical treatment, the Cancer Commission Foundation’s advocacy pushes for a “person-centered and integrated cancer care”. This means, cancer care is only part clinical—it’s mainly healing with a human touch. It’s coordinated care. It’s compassionate. Most importantly, it doesn’t have to be a solo battle.
Ms. Tef was right when she said,
“Medical care saves lives, but human care sustains them.”
While cancer battles are unpleasant, it is comfort care that eases both patients and caregivers. And there’s nothing like caring for the sick with “malasakit”.
How amazing would it be if the system is built to inform and prepare everyone for a cancer battle, and I don’t just mean the medical procedures.
We need a system that’s able to hold space for their human needs, with conversations like:
“By the way, there’s counseling available and required for both you and your family.”
“Oh, here’s a list of initiatives to help you out financially.”
“Let me share a community of caregivers who can extend help.”
A system built to care for a human, not just fix the problem.
Finally, what if the cure to cancer isn’t always chemically designed,
but in fact, spirit aligned?
Like camping at Mt. Apo with fellow hikers.
Or baking banana bread with your kids.
Or crocheting a new blanket for your partner.
Or playing Stardew Valley with gamer friends.
What if all it takes is time?
Time to include mindful creative practices in our lifestyle.
Time to embrace our human-centered design of work-life balance.
Time to acknowledge that REST is not a reward, but a need for functionality.
Needless to say, it’s tiring to look at cancer just as a disease to be treated.
Because beneath all that sickness is a person—a parent, a child, a friend, a dreamer, a human who just needs time to slow down and to preserve his wellbeing.
It’s Cancer Awareness Month this February, so it’s a good time to send a message to everyone who survived the disease, still battling it, or who lost a loved one to it:
Treat everyone, especially yourself, as a person first—one who deserves “malasakit”.
Don’t ignore what your soul yearns for.
Allow healing for every part of you.
And don’t let cancer mask any more humanity in your life.
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Dear readers,
Help us rewrite the narrative of cancer care by sharing your experience in the comments. If you are financially able, please support PSC CanCom’s programs dedicated to improving the cancer care system for Filipinos.
Visit https://www.pcscancom.org/projects#h.w7os9tf8qm2s for the contact details.
Thanks and Godspeed.
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MEET THE WRITER
Mia Estrada wears many hats—she’s an educator, a biologist, a singer-songwriter, and a copywriter. To her, writing is more than a profession, but a mission to lead an honest conversation on topics that really matter.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This editorial was made possible through insights and wisdom from these generous professionals:
Dr. Bernard M. Regalado, Senior Vice President - Medical Director & Head of Drug Testing Laboratory, Asia Pacific Medical & Diagnostics, Inc.
Ms. Tefel P. Valentino, Executive Director / Trustee, PCS CanCom Foundation
Main Organizer of the Philippine National Cancer Summit (PNCS)
Website: https://www.pcscancom.org/
Joy Hung
Founder & Creative Director, Looseleaf Studio
Website: https://looseleafstudio.net/
