Helping to Ease the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding exposure to common risk factors, such as tobacco smoke. In addition, a significant proportion of cancers can be cured, by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early (www.who.int).

It is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2008, majority occurs in low and middle-income countries.

In the Philippines, cancer is now the third leading cause of mortality, claiming thousands of lives every year.  It is considered a catastrophic disease owing to its impact to health, productivity and over-all quality of life and the high cost of therapy that cause impoverishment of patients and their families.  Based on the latest data from the Philippine Cancer Registry, breast cancer is now the top site of malignancy affecting mostly women in their most productive years of life.  Thus far, at least 10,000 breast cancer cases are being reported annually in the Philippines with a mortality rate of about 40% (Philippine Cancer Facts and Statistics 2010).

With the growing census of cancer incidence in the country, there is real concern in providing supportive care not only during treatment but more so when the treatment side effects start manifesting.

To highlight the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Point of Care solutions Inc. (PCSI) in partnership with United Laboratories recently introduced Evolife products to the Philippines. These are products that specifically formulated for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

The main objective is to offer quality products that will greatly reduced the pain and inconvenience being experienced by cancer patients brought about by the treatments that they are going through.

PCSI is the exclusive distributor of Evolife's full range of cancer-support care products that are the result of years of research and development by a dedicated team of dermatologists, oncologists, and scientists based in France.  Evolife products contain a unique blend of natural minerals that provide premium hydration and protection for patients undergoing therapy treatments.  

EvoSkin Gel Cream and Evolife Hydrating Skin Cleanser: provide a unique hydrating solution for skin side effects of cancer therapy such as cracks, dryness and a burning sensation

EvoMucy mouthwash and spray: for mouth sores

EvoLip: for chapped or sensitive lips

EvoDry mouth spray: to combat mouth and throat dryness

EvoDonto toothpaste: for sensitive and irritated gums

EvoCapil hydrating spray: calms the scalp and rejuvenates hair follicles to encourage hair re-growth

EvoDeo deodorant spray: an alcohol-free deodorant spray for hypersensitive skin controls hot flashes and excessive sweating

EvoNail: helps revitalize darkened, yellow, brittle or cracked nails and restores them to their natural state.

There were cancer patients who attended the event and they shared testimonies how these products have at least managed to shaped their lives while undergoing treatments.  Despite the agony, the pain that they are experiencing because of the disease itself, what I can see in them are brave personas.  Each one of them gladly told us stories of how they are combating the condition and how Evolife products have helped them a lot.

According to cancer patient, Tina, when she underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she experienced mouth sores and burning sensations on her skin. "The mouth sores were too painful to eat anything so I lost a lot of weight.  After my doctor recommended EvoMucy mouth was, the sores disappeared in 3 days for good.  This helped me regain my energy as I went through with my treatment.  I also used EvoSkin Gel Cream and EvoNail.  after using it for a few days, the burning sensation went away and my nails did not blacken at all, unlike other patients undergoing treatment."

The new partnership also aims to further boosts Unilab's concern in expanding its portfolio to provide a wholistic supportive care in alleviating the condition of cancer patients.  Thsi new offering is a response to the need of addressing the side effects as much as the cancer treatment itself.



For more information about Evolife and Evolife products, visit www.evolife.com.ph

Also visit the Cancer Support Shop at the CSMC Cancer Center
10 Wilson Street, Greenhills West, San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines