THE SOUTHERN Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Department of Urology strengthened its advocacy on prostate cancer to the public to improve reproductive health awareness and prevention among men.
In an interview with Dr. Porferio Serrano III of the Department of Urology, he shared that SPMC has catered to an average of approximately 50 to 60 prostate cancer patients, mostly ages 45 and older, each day.
The medical center is also the only public hospital with urology training and urologists available in Davao City.
Serrano also added that prostate cancer is alarming, particularly on the burden (financial and psychological) on the patient’s family.
He highlighted that the number one risk factor is age, as the cancer progressively develops, particularly after the age of 50.
“High consumption of meat, red meat. Some studies would suggest that it causes or is a risk for developing prostate cancer,” he said on Jun 30.
The prevalence rate is usually one in every eight patients worldwide.
Last June 19, the City Health Office (CHO) Men’s Health Medical Division announced its free availability of screenings in health centers that offer digital rectal exams and urged males aged 50 and above to get tested.
CHO City Men’s Health Medical coordinator Dr. Rudney James Velasquez advised early detection, especially for citizens whose family members have prostate cancer, as it can be hereditary.
