Sad Reality.

I don't know what is happening, but these past few days, I am learning about several people I know being diagnosed with this illness.

Last week, my mom told me that my uncle needed to be operated on because there were tumors found in his colon. The operation happened last Tuesday and based on the initial assessments, if found positive, it is Stage 3 colon cancer.

They were working in Italy for many years. Now, past their retirement age, he came home from Italy to the Philippines to get operated on. They were asked to prepare Php300,000.00 (USD5,600) for the operation alone. Of course, there must be post-operation procedures that will cost them a large sum of money.

_{Photo Credit}

Today, my mom messaged me about my friend's mom (she's more updated than me. LOL). She said, my friend's mom - they happen to also be a not so distant relative, has lung cancer. I know I chanced upon one of my friend's facebook post from a couple of weeks ago that her mom was at the hospital but I did not know why. We were chatting on messenger but she did not mention anything too, so I thought it was nothing serious.

I finally messaged her again today to confirm what my mom told me and true enough, it is Stage 4 Lung Cancer detected only last April.

Of course, some of us may have come across the case of the mom-in-law of our fellow steemian Hive account@jovema, who is also battling bone cancer. This is a case of metastasis, for she had a previous case of breast cancer due to which she had undergone a mastectomy. You can find jovema's latest post about her here.

A friend's father is also battling thyroid cancer. Another close family friend had thyroid cancer and got cleared, but recently he faced another health issues. I am not sure if it is cancer-related. The mom of my kids' friend lost her battle to cancer (breast, then lungs) a few years ago.

What is Cancer?

I remember when I was younger and I hear the elders talk about this ailment, they describe it as sakit ng mayayaman (an ailment of the rich). Then, I thought literally that only the rich can get cancer. Now, I think they were saying that because, (1) the rich will have the money to get himself checked by medical professionals and find out the diagnosis; or (2) the rich, when diagnosed, will have the money to sustain the very expensive medications to possibly get cured completely or at least borrow a few more months/years on their lives.

Cancer is a collective term for many different diseases - cancer breast, prostate, lungs, blood (leukemia) among others.

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, human cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.

When cancer develops, however, this orderly process breaks down. As cells become more and more abnormal, old or damaged cells survive when they should die, and new cells form when they are not needed. These extra cells can divide without stopping and may form growths called tumors.

More about cancer here.

Nobody wants to get sick.

Especially life-threatening ailments like cancer. We don't want it for ourselves, we don't want it for our families.

They say anyone can develop cancer so I guess it should start with taking care of ourselves and try to live a healthy lifestyle at least.

Do not ignore changes in our bodies. If we feel something is odd, consult a doctor. Nothing wrong with being paranoid sometimes.

Cancer Research UK has listed down on their websites some key signs and symptoms of cancer which include unsuspecting signs such as breathlessness, persistent bloating or appetite loss. Do check out the site and find out more.

I came across one of the cases of our clients (I am an insurance professional) - she did not have any symptoms. One day, she just started stuttering until her speech was no longer coherent. She went to the doctor for a checkup and she was not asked to leave.

She had brain tumor.

She got operated on and is lucky to be doing very well these days.

Can Cancer Be Prevented? - Smoking

Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer in the world.

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Cancer Research UK

15 Types of Cancer! If that does not say anything about smoking, you tell me.

So please. Please. Please STOP SMOKING.

There are many other causes like obesity, diet, alcohol, physical activity, etc. They all point to 👉lifestyle. Let us take some time, step back and examine ourselves. Are we living a healthy lifestyle?

Protect your family

As an insurance professional (I am not gonna sell to you, but I can refer you to my team.. lol) I find it important to share these little bits of information that I know to help raise awareness to others.

If you buy car insurance, if you insure your home contents, if you buy extra warranty for your gadgets, then why not a life and critical illness insurance that can protect your loved ones should something unfortunate happen to you?

We will all die - the emotional hardship will definitely be there, but make the burden lighter to bear by at least ensuring that they will maintain the same quality of life they were enjoying when you were around.

There is a risk of being diagnosed with a critical illness - more as we get older. Do we want to spend a big chunk of our savings on treatments?

Some people, especially Filipinos shy away when the conversation leads to "insurance". They find it negative. Many years ago, I was also like that. But my exposure to the industry thankfully opened my eyes and mind and I deem it my moral obligation to share what I know.

So if you get approached by an insurance agent, please do not shooo them away. Listen. At least listen. Hopefully you will find it's importance.

What I am really trying to say...

Cancer is a biatch. It can affect anybody. Let us try to keep fit and stay healthy. If, unfortunately, we still suffer it, I hope we are emotionally (hmmm, difficult) and financially (ouchie, also difficult, so get insured) ready for it.

Prioritize our health. If something is off, consult a doctor. Get regular health checkups.

Be there for them. "Wave" at them once in a while on messenger. Better yet, pay them a visit. Connect.

Pray. Pray that they soon find a permanent and non-expensive cure, and that nobody shall be affected anymore.

❤ Hive account@arrliinn