The Davao City Health Office (CHO), through its City Men’s Health Medical Division, is urging male Dabawenyos aged 50 and above to get tested for prostate cancer.
“For men ages 50 and above, it’s time nga ma-check natin or ma-screen natin if there are possible developments sa inyong mga prostate and we can do this in the health centers (Men aged 50 and above should get checked or screened for possible developments in their prostate. These test can be done at the health centers),” Dr. Rudney James E. Velasquez, CHO’s City Men’s Health Medical Coordinator, said during the ISpeak Media Forum on Thursday.
The CHO offers digital rectal exam for prostate cancer detection that Dabawenyos may avail for free at its district health centers.
The digital rectal exam is a medical procedure used to assess the prostate, rectum, and anus for any abnormalities.
Velasquez highlighted the importance of early detection through prostate screening especially for those who had relatives with prostate cancer as the said disease is hereditary or can be passed on to family members.
“Check earlier lalo na kapag nana sila’y family history kasi it can be passed to family members (Early detection is important especially for those who already have a family history of prostate cancer as this can be passed on to family members),” Velasquez said.
He also said that it is imperative to intensify information dissemination on prostate cancer to improve the health seeking behavior of men.
The CHO reminds the public that men’s health should be given attention and importance as well.
Both men and women’s reproductive health need to be checked to prevent diseases like cancer.
The CHO has free medical services including tests for prostate cancer that Dabawenyos may avail for free. Dabawenyos are urged to visit the nearest district health center to avail of said services. CIO
