Be aware of cancer, DOH tells public

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Health here has advised the public to watch out for potential symptoms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases and urged citizens to undergo regular medical check-up.

Dr. Tristan Jediah Labitad there is a need to encourage people to switch to a healthy and proactive way of life to prevent cardiovascular diseases. “Dapat magpa-check up gyud ta. I think high time na karon nga atong health-seeking behavior atong i-increase, bag-ohon nato atong pamatasan sa pag-atiman sa atong panglawas," he said.

“Sometimes man gud, ang uban because of their poor health-seeking behavior, dili na sila magpa-check up kay maunhan ug kahadlok, kabalaka, ug kaguol. Imbes unta sa early detection pa lang, makita na, ma-prevent ang pag-worsen sa kaso nimo, mao gyud unta na dapat atong buhaton,” he added. 

Since cancer treatments and chemotherapy pose a financial burden on families and individuals, Labitad also encouraged the public to take part in free government facilities and support programs for people diagnosed with cancer or with possible cancer risks. 

The DOH also has implemented the “Cancer Assistance Fund” or CAF which aims to provide support for patients living with cancer and for cancer survivors.

The implementation of the CAF shall cover outpatient and inpatient services including but not limited to diagnostics, therapeutic procedures, medicines, treatment and management services, and other care-related components of cancer. 

The CAF is designed to complement existing financial support mechanisms in both public and private facilities.

The eight identified priority cancer types eligible to be financed by the CAF include breast cancer, childhood cancer, gynecologic cancer, liver cancer, adult blood cancers, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, and prostate, renal, and urinary bladder cancers.

To avail of the CAF, patients or carers must submit the requirements to identified access sites where CAF services are made available. Required documents including prescriptions, treatment protocols, and medical abstracts shall first undergo evaluation prior to approval and availment of services. (Glacetene Kayl N. Daba, Mindanao Examiner)