Where to Find Ostomy Support Group in the Philippines

Nakita ko ang link na ito na tumutukoy sa Colostomy Friends. Salamat. Link

Colostomy Friends of the Philippines (Facebook)

Please add us in our new Facebook Page Account, Post po your questions and suggestions to make ostomy advocacy in the Philippines strong. Thank you very much.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is one form of cancer which develops slowly over a period of many years. It is a cancer from uncontrolled cell growth in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.  It commonly develops from a tumor, an abnormal tissue which can be benign or malignant or from a polyp, a non-cancerous tumor.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and accounted for 608,000 deaths, affecting mostly individuals over 50 years of age. The incidence rate of the disease is more than 14 times higher in adults 50 years and older than in those younger than 50.

In the Philippines, colorectal cancer ranks fourth among the cancer-related deaths of Filipinos. According to the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc., almost 75 percent of the individuals affected were aged 50 and above while only about three percent were children 14 years old and below. It is estimated that one out of 1800 Filipinos will develop the cancer yearly.

Individuals who have personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps in the rectum or colon and inflammatory bowel disease are at high-risk. Lifestyle factors, particularly diet, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity were reported as risk factors. Studies showed that diet rich in fat and deficient in whole grains, fruits and vegetables increases the risk of getting the disease.

Most early colorectal cancers have no symptoms. why people were advised to consult a doctor whenever they experience any of the following symptoms: changes in bowel habits such as frequent diarrhea and/or constipation, especially when accompanied by abdominal discomfort, weight loss, unexplained anemia, and blood in the stool.

Two decades of awareness campaigns were pushed by the Department of Health (DOH) to inform the public that colorectal cancer like any other cancers can be cured if detected early. DOH encourages people to maintain healthy lifestyle by engaging in physical activities, eating a balanced diet, reducing alcohol intake and avoiding smoking to decrease the risk of acquiring the disease.

At the moment, the Department of Health Philippine Cancer Control Program (DOH/PCCP) recommends screening for colorectal cancer for all persons aged 50 years and above as colon cancer increases risk after the age of 50.

by Miss Hipolito

Where is your Ostomy

By Jess Grossman

Check out uncover ostomy and find out the advocacy of Jessica Grossman. She is a brave young woman with crohn's disease but has faced life with determination and hope.

Sleeping in Prone Position

It is possible for people with a stoma to sleep facing the bed or in the prone position. It is by the use of the pillows where some would like to be comfortable with.

The picture shows a paraplegic with a colostomy bag as an example.

What more for able bodied people with just a colostomy bag. They can roll over the bed provided the pouch is empty. The pouch bags we have now are durable. Have a good sleep.


posted by
Cynthia RN

Convex Wafers

If you need this colostomy bags for better quality of life, contact us. Priority to poor patients in the Philippines. It is not for sale.

If you will use a convex wafer with a stoma that is NOT recessed, the wafer or flange might just be wasted.

Recessed Stoma

Recessed Stoma is where the stoma is retracted creating a space that is deep around the peristomal area.

The best way to prevent leakages is through stoma paste or much better the use of Convex Flanges or wafers.

We are providing convex colostomy bags for patients with recessed stoma. Contact us.
Priority if for poor patients in the Philippines.