In line with the National Cancer Awareness Month, the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) will hold the SMPC Lumps and Bumps Caravan, also known as the “TINGin-TINGin, TANGTANG Bukol Caravan,” a free cancer testing and consultation program, at the Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC), formerly Almendras Gym, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28.
SPMC chief Mae Dolendo, who guested in the Madayaw Davao program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday morning, said, “Naa lang pre-registration link pero everyone is welcome. I-prioritize namo ang nagpa-register pero dili mi mu-refuse kung muadto mo (There is a pre-registration link but everyone is welcome. We will prioritize those who have pre-registered, but we won’t refuse you should you come).”
Pre-register here ? https://forms.gle/rUU6bUWu8ucXTTjPA.
She said they will bring their diagnostic laboratory equipment and other machines for cancer detection. Colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, pediatricians, and other specialists will be at the site to render free services to children and adults alike.
Biopsy and blood testing will also be done onsite.
“We are bringing our services nearer to the people. This is part of our public service kay ang SPMC para man gyud sa tanan. We thank the city government for allowing us to use the Almendras Gym for free ug sa tanang tabang sa syudad sa atoa. Pasalamat sad ta sa Marina Tuna ug sa Department of Health kay kani sya nga programa sa DOH gyud ni (This is part of our public service because SPMC is really for everyone. We thank the city government for allowing us to use the Almendras Gym for free and for all the help of the city. We are thankful to Marina Tuna and the Department of Health because this is a DOH program),” Dolendo said.
The SPMC chief said that gone are the days when cancer is dreaded as it had no cure as nowadays, she said with early detection, doctors can treat cancer.
She added, “Kayang-kaya ng mga doctors nating i-treat ang cancer. Magagaling mga doctors natin (Our doctors can treat cancer. Our doctors are good). We have the capacity to diagnose early.”
Doledo also said that as people age, the chances of acquiring cancer are higher. Thus, screening is encouraged.
By age 40, women must undergo a physical breast examination and when they reach 45 and above, a mammogram should be undertaken yearly. For those over 55 years old, a mammogram should be every two years.
Colon screening is encouraged for 45 years old and above, especially for those having bowel problems, while cervical cancer screening should start at age 25 or the age when a woman is sexually active. Papsmear should be done every year from ages 25 to 65.
Cervical cancer, however, is preventable through the HPV vaccine.
By age 50, heavy smokers with at least 20 years of smoking history should also get screened for lung cancer. Dolendo said that since Davao City has a strong anti-smoking program, lung cancer cases in the city are not high.
She reminded Dabawenyos to be vigilant since second-hand smoke is also a cause of lung cancer.
Men should also get tested for prostate cancer by age 50.
In preventing cancer, Dolendo advised the public to stay away from all forms of tobacco; keep a healthy weight; get moving with regular physical activity; eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; drink alcohol in moderation (one glass for women and two glasses for men); protect skin by wearing a hat, using an umbrella, and applying sunscreen; and get regular checkups and cancer screening tests. CIO
