ITRMC creates Cancer Support Group

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Mar. 6 (PIA) - The Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), launched a Cancer Support Group on Friday, February 28, at the Rubio Hall of the ITRMC in this city.
 
According to Oncologist Carina V. Chavente, "Cancer patients need not only the medical treatment but also an extra layer of assistance like psychosocial, financial and spiritual support." 
 
“Part of the thrust of ITRMC is to provide not only the medical treatment for cancer patients. Alam kasi naming may mga pinagdadaanan pang iba ang mga pasyente. So gusto naming bumuo ng sistema na makakapag-offer ng tulong sa kahit anong paraan tulad ng psychosocial, financial, at spiritual support. Pati na rin ang iba pa nilang pangangailangan,” Chavente said in an interview.
 
She also emphasized that in empowering the patients, the strength and motivation to carry on with life must come from their friends and families or even from the patients themselves.

Dra. Carina Chavente, an oncologist, said that cancer patients need not only the medical treatment but also an extra layer of assistance like psychosocial, financial and spiritual support that is why a Cancer Support Group was created to empower patients to carry on with life despite of their situation. The Cancer Support Group was launched on February 28 at the Rubio Hall of Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union. (CGC)

Their environment must be the prime source of support as patients usually suffer from depression, anxiety, monetary problems and loss of faith.
 
“'Yong mga pasyente mismo, kapwa nila pasyente, mga kaibigan at kapamilya ng mga pasyente ang mas nakakaintindi ng sitwayson. Sila 'yong mas nagkakaintindihan sa mga pinagdadaanan nila. So we want to empower our cancer patients through them,” she said. 
 
Meanwhile, she added that ITRMC wants to elevate their basic cancer services and develop a cancer center in this city with the help of various medical specialist such as in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Psychiatry.

Assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development was also asked.
 
Moreover, Chavente said that they are also conducting fora and ‘Outreach to Teach’ programs to disseminate accurate information to the public about the cancers we are at risk of having, how to possibly prevent it, and the treatment and medications available for a specific cancer disease. (JCR/AMB/CGRC/PIA La Union)
 

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