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PH Army conducts free cervical cancer screening

By Priam Nepomuceno

September 5, 2019, 9:30 am

<p><em>(Photo from Philippine Army Facebook page)</em></p>

(Photo from Philippine Army Facebook page)

MANILA -- In line with efforts to combat cervical cancer, the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon (OACS) in partnership with the Philippine Army Officers Ladies Club Incorporated (PAOLCI) conducted its first free cervical cancer screening for female military personnel, their dependents, and civilian employees in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Wednesday.

The screening was done by pap smear employed by obstetricians from the OB Department of the Army General Hospital (AGH), PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in statement.

This was conducted by the OACS, headed by Army Chief Surgeon Col. Memerto H. Losa, in partnership with the AGH and the PAOLCI, with its president, Anna Cruz and its adviser, Jessica O.Alberto.

More than 70 women benefited from the program.

“As part of our immeasurable duty as your health service provider in the Philippine Army, we would also like to ensure the health and wellness of our female military personnel, dependents and Civilian Employees, and extend our hands in preventing disease like cervical cancer,” Losa said.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among Filipino women, with an estimated 7,277 new cases and 3,807 deaths every year.

The DOH recommends that women take the Pap smear every two to three years.

“[This] pap smear [is a good project because] a lot of our women usually take it for granted to take care of their health, mothers and single working women, wala silang (they don't have) time. It’s a good chance for them to take a break from their work and (undergo) check-up,” Cruz said.

This is the first time that the OACS hosted a free cervical cancer screening for its stakeholders.

The office is also set to conduct a free cervical cancer vaccination this September. (PNA)

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