When it comes to treating cancer, modern technologies and the expertise of medical professionals play a vital role in the physical aspect of recovery.

However, it is noteworthy to look at the emotional side of the healing journey.

With this, cancer survivor and advocate Eden Lucero shared her experiences battling cervical cancer, having faced it twice, along with the added agony brought by the pandemic.

On May 16, Lucero spoke at the first Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit about her personal cancer journey.

"My diagnosis in 2020 came during the pandemic," she said in a mix of English and Filipino.

"Maybe because of stress, it really worsened during that time," she added.

She also described how smoothly her cancer treatment went, after her obstetrician-gynecologist referred her to an oncologist.

However, two months later, her creatinine levels rose, finding out that her illness became stage 4.

Lucero could not help but get emotional while narrating her journey, explaining every dose of treatment she went through while being bedridden.

She reached a point where she thought she would only have six months to live if the procedures did not work.

Adding to the hardship, in 2021, her mother passed away in the same hospital where she was confined, on the same floor of the building.

"Actually, we were both confined during the pandemic in the same hospital, on the same floor. Our rooms were almost opposite each other, but I didn't know what was happening to her," Lucero shared.

"She passed away two months later, and then I found myself in a difficult situation," she added.

In a study in 2022, it said 12 Filipino women die every day due cervical cancer.

That is why Dr. John Wong, founder of Epimetrics Philippines, underscored the importance of the vaccine for cervical cancer or for HPV.

The advocate then emphasized the support system she received.

"First of all, I have faith in God. I mean, I rely on Him. Then, I have my family—my husband, my children, and my sibling. I have a very strong support system," she said.

"My best friends are always there for me, always with me, and always messaging me," she added.

According to her, the challenges she went through made her realize and changed her mindset to always have a "positive attitude."

"It's like, you just want to keep loving. I don't want hate in my life anymore because it's what brought me pain," Lucero said.

Through all the challenges, Lucero realized that despite everything that's happening, all the frustrations, when it changes to a positive attitude, the body will benefit from it.

"I mean, your condition really changes. It's biblical. It's like whatever good you put in your mind, your body benefits from it," she said.

"So, that's what I'm doing. I just want to spread love, a positive outlook, and get away from the negativity of the world," Lucero explained.

As of 2024, Lucero revealed that she had been diagnosed with bladder cancer and was continuing her battle against the disease.