Friday, June 15, 2007 Celebrating Father's Day with free prostate screening By Raul Winston P. Andutan, MD, FPUA, FPCS
ONCE again we will be celebrating Father's Day this 3rd Sunday of June to show our gratitude to all his sacrifices in raising a closely-knit family. He deserves our acknowledgment not only during this special occasion but also almost everyday!
The best way to honor him is to extend free access on "Men's Health."
This refers to maintaining normal health of organs associated with the male reproductive system particularly the prostate gland.
Prostate diseases presenting as problems in urination are one of the most common ailments afflicting the male adults.
The possible causes are benign or malignant tumors, STD, sexual inactivity, spicy foods, alcohol, which usually respond to conservative, medical or surgical interventions depending on the etiology and its severity.
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in males worldwide although local statistics rank it only as the 3rd most common.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate due to hormonal changes and ageing process is also very prevalent; more than 60% of patients 60 years old and above have the problem. These prostate problems are slow growing diseases but nonetheless may lead to significant morbidities and mortalities if not managed properly.
They are likewise curable if diagnosed and treated early enough or before complications have set in. It is because of these data that we have to be vigilant in screening male adults for possible prostate problems. It is also very important to have linkage with the most effective medium for information dissemination, hence having the tri-media people as partners for this advocacy!
For the Philippine Urological Association (PUA), it takes upon itself this responsibility of increasing public awareness of common prostatic diseases. The day before every Father's Day celebration has already been declared nationwide as National DRE Day for the past 10 years.
DRE means Digital Rectal Examination, an inexpensive way of diagnosing prostatic problems by palpating the prostate gland thru the anus with the use of an index finger. This time, the National DRE Day will be held on June 16, Saturday from 8 to 4 pm to be held at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center Surgery OPD and at the Northern Mindanao Cancer Detection Center, MOPNFI Building, Agoho Drive, Patag.
For patients not able to avail of this free prostate screening, they can still enjoy the free services of the volunteer urologists every 3rd Saturday of the month at 2 to 4 pm at the Northern Mindanao Cancer Detection Center.
