Army conducts cervical cancer screening
The cervical cancer screening was done among enlisted women, army dependents, and civilian employees through pap smear tests
More than 70 women benefitted from the free cervical cancer screening organized by the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon (OACS) of the Philippine Army last Wednesday.
This was part of the Army’s health service programs for soldiers and their families and done in partnership with the Philippine Army Officers Ladies Club Incorporated (PAOLCI). “The good welfare of their families keep soldiers free from worry as they focus on their mandate. Moreover, soldiers in good health can take on the serious and demanding task of serving the people and securing the land,” Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon P. Zagala said.
The cervical cancer screening was done among enlisted women, army dependents, and civilian employees through pap smear tests which were conducted by obstetricians from the OB Department of the Army General Hospital (AGH).
“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, cervical cancer is the second leading cancer site among Filipinas with an estimated 7,277 new cases and 3,807 deaths occurring every year. The department recommends that women take a 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, they just don’t have the time. It’s a good chance for them to take a break from their work and have the checkup done,” Cruz said.
This event was organized by the OACS, headed by Army Chief Surgeon Col. Memerto H. Losa MC (GSC), in partnership with the AGH and the PAOLCI, with its president Mrs. Anna Cruz and adviser Mrs. Jessica Alberto.
This is the first time that the OACS hosted a free cervical cancer screening, after which the office is also set to conduct a free vaccination this month.