According to GLOBOCAN, prostate cancer is one of the top five cancers in the Philippines, with the tenth largest number of cancer-related deaths among Filipino men. Despite the figures, little is known about the condition. The Philippine Urological Association (PUA), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), the Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Society of Uro-Oncologists (PSUO), and Johnson and Johnson (Philippines), Inc., organized a series of activities to raise awareness about prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Sama-Samang Labanan, Tamang Impormasyon Kailangan was the unifying topic, with the goal of educating the public about the significance of early identification and treatment to prevent the course of prostate cancer.
On September 11, a lay forum called Usapang Prostate Cancer was live streamed on the PUA Prostate Cancer Awareness Facebook page to highlight facts about the disease. Representatives from the Department of Health’s Cancer Control Division and the Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. also spoke at the event on the available resources to patients and their families from the government and privately supported groups. Last September 18, members of the Philippine Urological Association and the Philippine Urology Residents Association provided free teleconsultations. Over 300 Filipino men took use of the free teleconsultation program.
Fighting prostate cancer with information
Awareness on prostate cancer is very low as men do not talk about it in the open and often confuse its early symptoms as signs of aging. These include frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. The only bigger warning signs are blood in the urine or semen and pain or burning sensation when urinating.
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, especially after 50. It can also run in the family, developed through a combination of genes and poor lifestyle. There is no proven prevention strategy for prostate cancer, which is why early diagnosis is important.
“Information is the most important weapon against prostate cancer,” said Dr. Clarito Cairo, program manager of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the Department of Health. “The more people know about its early symptoms, the earlier they can get screened. Even in advanced stages, there are treatments available that still allow patients to live a long life.”
“While mostly indolent, prostate cancer needs to be addressed immediately to stop the cancer cells from spreading to other areas of the body,” explained Dr. Ernesto Gerial, president of the Philippine Urological Association. “Disseminating information about who are at risk of the disease and what its symptoms are can save many lives.”
He added: “The lack of noise around prostate cancer has resulted to unequal support for the disease as compared to breast and cervical cancer. While we at the Philippine Urological Association have been hard at work for many years for prostate cancer to finally take the spotlight, we know that we cannot do it alone. That is why we are happy to be partnering with other medical associations, the government, and Johnson & Johnson in creating greater awareness for the disease and extending help to patients.”
“There is hope in prostate cancer,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs of Johnson & Johnson’s (Philippines), Inc. “It is a hard fact that most people should know but don’t—not yet.”
“Doctors are our partners in maintaining good health. Supporting them in the fight against prostate cancer is crucial, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic posing several limitations. By working together, information, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for the disease can be made available for all.”
About Philippine Urological Association
The Philippine Urological Association is the official organization of urologists in the Philippines. As initiated by our founders, we are committed to: (1) promote the art and science of urology to enhance the professional growth of members and provide wholesome fellowship, (2) provide residents of urology with comprehensive education and training to render patients competent, compassionate and quality care, (3) act as professional partners to our colleagues in other medical specialties, and (4) share time, talent, resources in the service of the community by providing undergraduate urology education.
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