CUARTEROS, RICHIEL M.
Cervical, Testicular and Breast Exam in the Philippines
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. Yet, it is the 2 nd most common cancer among
Filipino women. Its incidence rate has persisted from the 1980s up to the present. Cervical
cancer is also a killer disease. A killer disease controlled in many developed countries by
reductions in incidence and prevalence by as much as 90% - a reduction brought about by
well-organized screening programs detecting and and subsequently treating cervical cancer
precursors and early lesions. Detection and management is more efficiently and effectively
provided by an organized cervical cancer screening program rather than convenience or
spontaneous cervical cancer screening programs. But sadly, Philippines does not have any
organized cancer-screening programs. A cancer registry covers only 25% of the country’s
population as compared to the other countries. In Philippines, there is an acknowledged lack
of public knowledge and awareness of benefits of cancer-screening tests. The importance in
the education and training of health professionals in cancer screening is not given.
The government cancer-screening infrastructure is patchy at best with intermittent
supplies, training and service provision. The private health care delivery sector is not even
obligated to participate in a convenience-screening program with its screening guidelines
always emphasizing its recommendatory nature and the absence of sanctions or incentives
for compliance. There is no mandate for the continuity of care expected from a screening
program from health providers.
Cervical cancer is screening is the best way to detect cervical changes in the cervix.
Visual Inspection using Acetic acid wash (VIA) is the most common effective and practical
method for cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in the country. In
cases which pre-malignant lesion is noted, a single visit approach shall be applied in facilities
with cryotherapy equipment. For those facilities without the capability of doing the Single
Visit Approach (SVA) the patient is referred for possible treatment option to the nearest
facility.
However, the uptake screening remains low and is further compounded by the lack of
basic knowledge women have regarding screening as an opportunity for prevention of
cervical cancer.
The magnitude of cancer problem in men in the Philippines is 3 rd in incidence after
communicable and cardiovascular diseases. Testicular cancer is rare compared with other
types of cancer. And also the most common cancer between ages of 15 and 34. Testicular
cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle. Depending on
the type and stage of testicular cancer, you may receive one of several treatments, or a
combination. Regular testicular self-examinations can help identify growths early, when the
chance for successful treatment of testicular cancer is highest. Having a regular testicular
self-examination is very important because it can give you greater awareness of your
condition of your testicles and help you detect changes.
Survival rates for all stages of testicular cancer are relatively high, but early detection
can help men dodge a round chemotherapy sessions and radiation to the testicles. Men
should make it a habit to perform a regular testicle self-exam, the way women do breast
self-examinations. Like BSE, the checkups can help men catch testicular cancer early.
Studies have shown that regular checkups and screenings can help you stay out of the
doctor’s office for the rest of the year. The 20s is a good time to start going on those regular
medical checkups.
In breast self-examination, the Department of Health (DOH) emphasized the
importance of regular self-breast exam and the critical role of screening in the early
detection and treatment of breast cancer among women. A breast self-examination (BSE) is
a method detect any noticeable changes in one’s breast. Early detection of any changes in
the breast and seeking immediate consultation will increase one’s chances of successful
treatment.
According to the 2015 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates, breast cancer is the most
common (20,2067 cases) and the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths (7,384 cases)
among the Filipinos, next lung and liver cancer.
Health specialists advocate a healthy lifestyle to decrease the risk of having the disease.
Moreover, specialists promote screening. Screening is having an examination even if no
lump or other symptoms are present. This way breast cancer is discovered early. With early
discovery, chance for cure is more likely. As they say, early detection is your best chance for
cure. Recommend the following guidelines: 1) Monthly self-breast exam, done more or less
one week after menstruation, 2) Annual clinical breast exam or breast exam by an
experienced physician, and 3) Annual mammography beginning at age 40 years old.
Designing and implementing effective educational programs that increase women
awareness about breast cancer and promote screening uptake are important steps to
reduce the burden affected by breast cancer among women in the Philippines. To increase
breast cancer awareness, through education on self-breast cancer screening, lectures from
esteemed societies and conduct of mass screening.
References:
Azutillo, E. (2019). Philippine-Based Filipino Women and Breast Cancer.
Banzon, E. For An Organized Cervical Cancer Screening Program in the Philippines - The
Health Policy Brief.
https://www.health-tourism.com/testicular-cancer-treatment/philippines/
https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/15696
https://www.nkti.gov.ph/index.php/news/547-breast-cancer-awareness-layforum-and-
screening
