Dr. Basmayor IM-Medical Oncology Clinic

05/06/2025

EXERCISE SAVES LIVES!

Findings from a 15-year Colon Cancer Study

25/05/2025

FACT CHECK: Kahit maaaring may benefits ang herbal supplements, hindi ito sapat para protektahan ka laban sa cancer. To reduce your cancer risk, ito ang mga scientifically-proven na paraan:
✔️ Pagkakaroon ng healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, regular exercise)
✔️ Pag-iwas sa paninigarilyo at alak
✔️ Regular na medical check-up at screening tests
✔️ Pagbabakuna (tulad ng HPV vaccine para sa cervical cancer)

FACT CHECK: Kahit maaaring may benefits ang herbal supplements, hindi ito sapat para protektahan ka laban sa cancer. To reduce your cancer risk, ito ang mga scientifically-proven na paraan:

✔️ Pagkakaroon ng healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, regular exercise)
✔️ Pag-iwas sa paninigarilyo at alak
✔️ Regular na medical check-up at screening tests
✔️ Pagbabakuna (tulad ng HPV vaccine para sa cervical cancer)

Kumonsulta sa iyong doctor para sa personalized na prevention plan.
Let's raise cancer awareness together ❤

24/04/2025

Here's how to take care of your after a breast cancer diagnosis. Know that support is available and you don't have to go through this alone.

30/03/2025

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. It typically develops from polyps that can be detected & removed before they become cancerous.

Don't ignore changes in your bowel habits and talk to your doctor about when to begin colorectal cancer screenings.

04/03/2025

It's all about perspectives.

Two weeks ago, a 24yo female patient came in to my clinic to seek treatment for an early stage lymphoma that was curable. She was eager to have treatment and wanted to start ASAP. After throughly discussing her diagnosis and our treatment goals, I proceeded with the basics of chemotherapy, and it's possible side effects -we stopped there. She did not want chemo. Why? Here is an excerpt of our conversation:

Patient: Doc, are there no other treatments that does not cause hair loss?

Me: Well we have other options but the basic treatment / first line standard of care will cause hair fall. I know hair is a very important aspect of your life as a young adult, but please don't worry too much, the hair fall will just be temporary. After treatment, your hair will grow back and you can enjoy different hairstyles again.

*Started crying, and her mother who was with her already started to get mad.*

Me, talking to the mother: It's okay maam. Let's give your daughter some time to feel her emotions and let the facts sink in. This might be too much for her today. Ill talk to her after a week.

Me, talking to the patient: Maam, may I know what it is about hair loss that bothers you so much?

Patient: I dont want to be kalbo, doc. Pangit talaga. Never ako naging kalbo as far as I can remember, doc. Hindi ko yan kaya.

Me: kaya mo yan maam. Believe me, you can do it. This is just temporary. Your hair will grow again. Or you can wear wigs!

Patient: It's so easy for you to say doc because you have nice hair. I am sure pag-kalbo ka, you will also not like it. More so because you are a doctor.

Me: I'll give you some time to think about it maam. Ill see you after a week. I will pray for you.

--

I was really bothered during the weekend about how that conversation went. I was replaying that scene over and over again. How could I have improved the conversation?

My mind is telling me: Just because you'll lose your hair you don't want to get treatment for a very curable cancer?! That's crazy!

But my heart is telling me: Listen to what the patient is telling you, Fred. Listen. Review the convo, and try to see what she is feeling.

And then an aha moment came -she doesn't want to be kalbo because she thinks it's an unprofessional look and she could not face others because of her being kalbo! I was thinking, if she sees me with a bald hair, would she be convinced that it's okay to be kalbo? Without hesitation, I had my hair cut semi-kalbo just to show her that IT IS OKAY. I was thinking that this is worth a shot - if it convinces her, then I will be at peace. If it doesn't, then at least I tried my best.

She followed up earlier, and was so shocked to see me kalbo. She cried and hugged me.

You know what the best thing is? She's scheduled for her first cycle of chemotherapy this week. 🩵

Perspective really matters, and listening to our patients really pays. So to all patients out there, please feel free to openly discuss things with your doctors so that we can also do our best with you and for you. 🙏 🩵

Celebrating this small win with you today, Maam. You can do this! 🙏🎗

03/03/2025

There is a profound impact of simple, everyday gestures on people's lives. Touch, smiles, kind words, attentive listening, and genuine compliments may seem minor, but they can significantly uplift someone's mood and foster connections. These small acts of kindness can provide comfort, inspire hope, and even help individuals navigate difficult times.

04/02/2025

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲: “𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞”⁣
⁣
We invite everyone to be part of this year’s World Cancer Day campaign! With the theme “𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞,” we’re celebrating the individuality of every cancer journey.⁣
⁣
Whether you’re a patient, survivor, loved one, or healthcare provider, your story matters. Share your unique experience with us—because every journey is different, every voice is powerful, and together, we can create a world that sees beyond the disease to the person within.⁣
⁣
How to Participate:⁣
1️⃣ Click the link that applies to you.⁣
For patients/survivors: https://forms.gle/ufjcLuKcyNwnrdiG6
For loved ones: https://forms.gle/iTKAzhcvzCM7Bxv37
For health care providers: https://forms.gle/pMLoBxodNEKRCegJ9
2️⃣ Answer a few questions about your cancer journey.⁣
3️⃣ You can choose to remain anonymous and decide whether or not to include a photo.⁣
⁣
On February 4, we’ll share your stories to inspire others and raise awareness for improved cancer care worldwide. Together, let’s make a difference! 💜

11/01/2025

11/01/2025

Timely diagnosis saves lives. Take a second look 👀 at your breasts.⁣ If you notice changes to your breasts, such as a lump, pitting of the skin or pain, go and see a health practitioner for a check-up. ⁣
⁣
Most breast lumps are not cancerous. Those that are, can be more effectively treated if identified early.

✅ Check your breasts ⁣
✅ Get screened regularly ⁣
✅ See your doctor ⁣
✅ Get your annual mammogram done

23/11/2024

🚭 80% NG LUNG CANCER CASES AY DULOT NG PANINIGARILYO.

Sa bawat paninigarilyo, exposed ang iyong baga sa mga harmful chemicals na nakakasira at nakakataas ng panganib sa pagkakaroon ng lung cancer.

Quit smoking to reduce your risk and protect your lungs!

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let's spread awareness by sharing this post.

23/11/2024

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Let us raise awareness about lung cancer, promote early detection, and encourage everyone to understand the risks associated with the disease. Promoting healthy habits and encouraging regular screenings are critical components for these awareness efforts.

29/10/2024

Let's fight Breast Cancer together. 💖

Narito ang ilan sa mga maaring gawin upang labanan ang breast cancer:
1. Annual mammogram para sa mga kababaihan edad 40 pataas
2. Monthly self-examination para sa early detection
3. Tamang pagkain at ehersisyo araw-araw
4. Raise awareness sa pamamagitan ng pagdalo sa mga community forums