FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Office of the Army ChiefSurgeon (OACS) in partnership with the Philippine Army Officers Ladies Club Incorporated (PAOLCI) conducted a free Cervical Cancer screening here today, Wednesday, Sep. 4, 2019.
The Cervical Cancer screening is done through a Pap smear employed by Obstetricians from the OB Department of the Army General Hospital (AGH). The conduct the free Pap smear for female soldiers, Civilian Employees, and Army dependents 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 Cruzandadviser Mrs. Jessica O.Alberto.
More than 70 women benefitted 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,” said Losa.
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 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 time. It’s a good chance for them to take a break from their work and magpacheck-up,” said Cruz.
This is the first time that the OACS hosted a free Cervical Cancer screening for its stakeholders. After this, the office is also set to conduct a free Cervical Cancer vaccination this month.
The Philippine Army supports the constant efforts of the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon in conducting health service programs for soldiers and their families. The good welfare of their families keep soldiers free of 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.#
