At the Talakayan sa PIA media forum at SM City CDO Uptown, Dr. Tristan Jediah Labitad, head of the DOH-CHDNM non-communicable diseases cluster, says that public health centers offer free cervical and breast cancer screenings, along with immunizations for HPV, Hepatitis B, and tetanus toxoid, among others. (Photo: AAO/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Early diagnosis and screening services for different types of cancers, and even heart disease, are readily available at public health centers in the region, as the Department of Health Center for Health Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) strengthens its early detection capacity to address rising cases of non-communicable diseases.
In an episode of the Talakayan sa PIA media forum at SM City Uptown in Cagayan de Oro, physician Tristan Jediah Labitad, non-communicable diseases cluster head for DOH-CHDNM, reported that public health centers can provide free screening for cervical and breast cancer and even immunization for HPV, hepatitis B, and tetanus toxoid, among others.
“When you know that you already have symptoms, naa na kay gibati nga dili mayo, seek consultation. Muduol gyud ka, dili kay luom-luomon nimo imoong gibati. Maski wala ka’y gibati, we advise you to seek consultation and ask for help,” he said.
(If you notice symptoms or feel unwell, seek medical consultation instead of ignoring your condition. Even if you feel fine, we still recommend you consult a doctor and ask for help.)
When a patient can get accurate and timely clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and staging, then government health facilities can provide access to prompt treatment.
“When you develop symptoms and health workers assess your condition, they refer you to a high-level facility like Northern Mindanao Medical Center or Amai Pakpak Medical Center for prompt treatment of serious illnesses such as cancer or heart disease,” the doctor said.
Labitad said that cancer is an abnormal proliferation of damaged cells.
“DNA na sa cell nato, nga na damage nga nag-multiply siya og daghan kaayo mao nang naay tumor, bantog naay mass, that is cancer,” he explained.
(Damaged DNA in our cells causes excessive multiplication, forming a tumor, also known as a cancerous mass.)
Cancer in children is not preventable, which is why early diagnosis is important. Parents or guardians are urged to check abnormal or unusual masses in children’s bodies and immediately have this checked in the nearest health center.
For adults, the DOH is urging people to practice a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, and avail themselves of vaccines such as human papillomavirus (HPV) for cervical cancer.
The physician emphasized following correct food intake, regular exercise, and discipline to avoid non-communicable diseases. (JMOR/PIA-10)
