Seasoned actress Susan Africa became a staunch cancer advocate after she faced cancer as devoted caregiver to her husband, the late Spanky Manikan.
Across different platforms, Africa communicated the importance of early detection and increased access to screening and treatments.
For the Manikan family, the fight against cancer began in early 2017, when Spanky came home from work one day with swollen face and hands. They immediately took him to a doctor for a blood exam. The test results were normal.
His doctor then asked Manikan to have a CT scan of the chest because he felt something in the area. “I remember it very well. The doctor asked to see me right away. He said Spanky had superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). There was no mention of the “C” word but he had to be admitted for radiation treatment. I did my own research online and found out that SVCS is usually caused by cancer,” related Africa.
Apart from the swelling of his face and hands, her husband seemed well. He only had the occasional smoker’s cough, which Manikan thought was nothing serious.
“Maybe if you know that you or a loved one is a heavy smoker, you should consult your doctor for recommendations on early cancer detection methods, just to be sure that you or your loved one is clear of cancer,” stressed Africa.
“The prospect of having cancer may be really scary, but you have to get proper treatment right away.”
As caregiver, the film and TV actress with the rest of the family held Manikan’s hand throughout the physical, financial, and emotional challenges of the cancer patient journey. “I think the keyword for a caregiver is love and sacrifice. We had to be strong for him. We needed to give him love, hope, and encouragement as much as we can,” she shared.
She recalled that if they had detected her husband’s cancer in its earlier stages, it would have made a huge difference in his treatment journey and prognosis, and they would have taken better advantage of new developments in cancer care and treatment that are available today.
“Spanky first had radiation therapy. Then our doctor recommended having Spanky undergo clinical trial for immunotherapy which was then the new treatment option for lung cancer,” shared Africa.
Immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s immune system to be able to identify and attack cancer cells.
Previous clinical trials showed the benefits of immunotherapy were usually durable with a manageable safety profile. Patients lived longer and were expected to have better quality of life. The treatment is currently approved in the Philippines for non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, head and neck, gastric, bladder, and Hodgkin lymphoma, among others.
Africa took her husband to the Makati Medical Center and Lung Center of the Philippines pathology departments for biomarker testing of his tumor cells. Manikan had non-small cell lung cancer and was tested positive for PD-L1 in 90 percent of the tumor cells, which meant he was eligible to undergo immunotherapy.
“He was successfully introduced into the randomized program. He had two sessions of immunotherapy and it was successful, in the sense that the first infusion was able to remove the excruciating pain in his right side,” said Africa.
Like all cancer treatments available in the country, the financial impact of treatment posed a challenge. Africa was open in admitting that, like everyone else, the financial burden of caring for a loved one with cancer had been overwhelming.
Aside from financial support from government institutions like PCSO, PAGCOR and Department of Social Welfare and Development, she is grateful for having friends who helped her husband during this time.
“Spanky had been in and out of the hospital for about six times in a span of a few months. Our savings were quickly running out. We’re blessed for having friends who organized a fundraising event called ‘Sunday for Spanky’ back in August 2017.”
She added, “I think it’s vital to spread correct and evidence-based information on clinically proven new treatments, guide and support patients, and give hope. Cancer is a disease that no one should cope with alone.”
After his courageous fight with loving family and friends, Spanky Manikan passed away in January 2018 at the age of 75 years old.
Shortly after, the surviving wife became an ambassador to Hope From Within: Cancer Game Plan PH.
“I met Hope From Within and I knew then that the Lord’s purpose for me is to perpetuate the memory of Spanky, and inspire others by his bravery, persistence, and determination to get well,” she shared.
Hope From Within: Cancer Game Plan PH is a campaign led by MSD in the Philippines that aims to put patients at the heart of the fight against the dreaded disease. Using powerful voices from leaders, advocates, policymakers, survivors, support groups, and patients, it boosts awareness of proper cancer care, sparking conversations and actions on how to reduce the burden of cancer-related mortalities and other challenges.
