Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Nearly 10 years after having her last period, 52-year-old Janet Mira was stumped after she found herself spotting and experiencing abdominal pains.

While she shrugged the condition at first, she then encountered the same problem a few years later prompting her to seek advice from her OB-GYN.

According to Janet, “The biopsy result, this time, meron siyang atypical cells na hindi raw normal. So sabi ng doctor sa akin, kailangan ng total hysterectomy para matanggal na 'yung lining ng uterus wall mo.”

Her diagnosis? Stage 1 uterine cancer.

Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the inner lining of the uterus and is categorized into two types: endometrial and uterine sarcoma.

For Janet, she was experiencing endometrial cancer, wherein the cancer cells are only present in her uterus.

“Umiyak ako kasi feel ko nasira 'yung plano ko for the year,” she recalls upon learning of her condition.

“I never questioned. Hindi ako nagalit sa Diyos kung bakit ako binigyan ng ganung trial.

“Siguro mga after three days, with the encouragement of my friends and prayers nila, natanggap ko na.”

Based on an interview by Pinoy MD with OB-GYN and Oncologist Dr. Aleli De Castro-Malig, uterine cancer is the third most common gynecological problem in the Philippines and hits most women in their post-menopausal period.

She adds, “Kadalasan tinatamaan nito ang mga babaeng hindi regular ang pagre-regla o mabigat ang timbang.

“Pagkakaroon ng pagdurugo o abnormal ang discharge lalo na sa mga kababaihan na nag menopause na. Maaari rin ito sa mga babaeng mahabang nireregla bago sila mag-menopause.”

There are several treatment options available for uterine cancer, and will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and personal preferences.

Janet, for example, had a total hysterectomy where a surgeon removed her uterus to prevent future development of the cancer cells. On top of that, she also underwent chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

“On top of the multivitamins and supplements on top of my chemo, I still have to take mga medication ko,” Janet shares.

“After the chemo, naging hindi na maganda kasi lahat ng side effects mararamdaman mo. Masakit ang ulo, katawan, kasu-kasuan, nanghihina ka, nanglalata ka. Para kang tinatamad at minsan may diarrhea.

“Pero I'm just grateful in spite of that nakakakilos ako to cook breakfast for my family.”

Dr. Castro-Malig shares that it's important for women to be diagnosed early to prevent any onset damage made by the cancer cells.

Additionally, she advises, “Kumain nang tama at iwasan ang pagkain ng fast food o mga pagkain na mataas ang sugar content.

“Kung may posibleng cancer ka sa matres, pumunta ka sa OB-GYN para sumailalim sa tamang pagsusuri. Sa maagang stage ng cancer kadalasan maganda ang chance ng prognosis o paggaling. Kadalasan din operation lang ang ginagawa.”

Watch Janet's full story in this video:

For more tips on health and wellness, make sure to visit GMA Network's Lifestyle Page.