EVENTS
 
"At Your Cervix" -- A Symposium on Cervical Cancer
          (In celebration of the DOH’s Cancer Consciousness Week)
 

Aside from Breast Cancer, Cancer of the cervix is also a common cancer in women. This disease occurs when cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the cervix - the opening of the uterus, which connects the uterus to the vagina or birth canal.
 

Unlike breast cancer, which has already gained a number of advocates, advocates for cervical cancer awareness especially among lay persons are yet to be seen.  So, in celebration of the Department of Health’s Cancer Consciousness Month, set last January 16- 20, VRP Medical Center organized a post event Symposium on Cervical Cancer for lay persons to address this.  This was in cooperation with VRP Medical Center’s Oncology Center, Dr. Emilio Glenn Evangelista of VRP Medical Center’s Department of OB-Gyne, and Unilab’s Biomedis Oncology.

  

The afternoon’s topics were divided among three sessions: "Session I: Screening and Diagnosis", "Session II: Treatment" and "Session III: Moving On".

  

 

For SESSION I, the following topics were discussed by specialists: the Risk Factors and Prevention of Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear by Dr. Doriz Benavidez of UP-PGH; Colposcopy: Guided Biopsy and Diagnosis, Histopath and Staging by Dr. Edna Banta of VRP Medical Center.  For SESSION II: Surgery, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Complications of Treatment by Dr. Jean Anne Toral of UP-PGH. For SESSION III: Survival Rate, Prognosis and Recurrence (follow-up Care), psychosocial behavior and functions of a cervical cancer survivor by Dr. Emilio Glenn Evangelista.
 

With the speakers’ extensive knowledge on their respective topics, the attendees gained relevant information about cervical cancer from the lecture proper and open forums.
 

Some Cervical Cancer Info

  • The incidence of invasive cervical cancer has decreased significantly over the last 40 years, in large part because of screening for, and treatment of, precancerous cervical lesions.

  • Routine screening for cervical cancer (Pap Smear) can prevent most occurrences of this disease as there are usually no symptoms associated with precancerous changes of the cervix.

  • The Pap smear is done by using a piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden spatula to gently scrape the outside of the cervix to pick up cells that can be examined under a microscope. Symptoms usually don’t appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue.
 

 

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"Your Breast Defense" -- A Symposium on Breast Cancer
          (In commemoration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month)
 

According to a study by the Philippine Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading type of cancer in the Philippines and the first among women with risks increasing after age 30.  All over the world, it continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity. Even in advanced countries like the US, breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women thirty-five to fifty-four.  It is the most often diagnosed cancer in women and the second most deadly after lung cancer.  However, not everyone is aware that breast cancer is 90% curable - but only if it is caught early.  And this can only happen if more individuals take the initiative for better understanding of breast cancer and the need for regular screenings.
 

In response to this and in commemoration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Dr. Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center (VRP Medical Center) launched its Pink October Celebration with a symposium on breast cancer titled “Your Breast Defense” on October 08, 2005 Saturday, 1-5 pm at the VRP Conference Hall, 5th floor, VRP Medical Center Physicians Center.

  
 

There were three sessions for the afternoon: “Session I: Screening and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer”, “Session II: Treatment of Breast Cancer” and “Session III: Moving On”.  

For SESSION I, the following topics were discussed by specialists: the Causes of Breast Cancer - Dr. Francis Lopez, Head of VRP Medical Center’s Oncology Dept.; Screening of Breast Cancer - Dr. Mario Sarmenta, radiologist; Diagnosis of Breast Cancer - Dr. Daniel Sia, Surgeon; Dealing with Bad News - Dr. Joy Malinit, psychiatrist; For SESSION II: Lumpectomy vs. Modified Radical Resection - Dr. Edgardo Penserga, Surgeon; Pathology Report  - Dr. Aileen Javier, Pathologist; Systemic Treatment: Role of Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy - Dr. Gary Lorenzo, Medical Oncologist; Breast Reconstruction - Dr. Ramon Sison, Reconstructive Surgeon. For SESSION III: Accepting the Diagnosis - Dr. Malinit; Follow-up Care and Nutrition by Dr. F. Lopez; Caring for a Cancer Patient - Dang Cecilio-Palanca; Support Group by Suzette Andrews; Misfortune to Advocacy by Bibeth Orteza-Syguion Reyna and Testimonial from a Breast Cancer Survivor by Ina Vergel de Dios

With the speakers’ extensive knowledge on their respective topics, the first two sessions successfully explored issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer as well as current information on breast cancer risk, detection, and treatments.   The final session on the other hand addressed the physical, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of life for those diagnosed and undergoing treatment for cancer.  Testimonies given by breast cancer survivors and advocates likewise gave the attendees a special understanding of the realities of breast cancer.  The lectures were made more interesting by the candid and cheerful Bibeth Orteza- Syguion Reyna, who also served as the master of ceremonies for the event. 

 

 

Simultaneous with the symposium, VRP Medical Center also launched its Pink Ribbon Fundraising Program, proceeds of which would go to the breast cancer screening program for the beneficiaries of the Operasyon Polymedic Damayan Foundation (the charity arm of VRP Medical Center). For every donation worth P100.00, you will receive a specially designed pink ribbon pin which will identify you as a pink ribbon advocate.  A Pink ribbon advocate is also given a 20% discount coupon for a mammography in VRP Medical Center.  With the support of those who share the same advocacy for breast cancer awareness, VRP Medical Center is confident that the program will be successful. 

According to Mrs. Ma. Victoria Vergel de Dios, VRP Medical Center’s hospital administrator, “Your Breast Defense” serves as the beginning of VRP Medical Center’s strong advocacy for breast cancer awareness.  With the support of the individual guests and different organizations, such as the Zonta Clubs of Area 1 and Area 5, Big C Magazine, Unilab’s Biomedis Oncology and Biofemme, the event provided a unique opportunity not only for women, but for all those who participated to be better informed about the different aspects of breast cancer and likewise provided resources and networking opportunities for health care professionals and individuals living with cancer and those who support them. 
 

If you want to be a pink ribbon advocate, please call

531-9465 or 531-4911 loc. 505.
 
 

 

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Blood Donors Month Celebration
 

The whole nation celebrates Blood Donors Month in July of each year pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation issued by Fidel V. Ramos.  VRP Medical Center joins in these festivities every year.  On July 14, 2005, a lecture on "Indications of Blood Transfusion and  Administration of Blood Components"  was delivered by  Dr. Mystica Bautista, a Consultant Pathologist from Capitol Medical Center.  The lectu-

re was attended by Consultants, Resident Physicians, Medical Technologists, Nurses, Hospital Personnel and Medical Technology Interns.  Subsequently, several blood donors who donated at least twice the past year were recognized and given Certificates of Recognition.  The program was organized by the Committee on Voluntary Blood Donation, the Blood Donors Club and the Department of Pathology.

A blood donation session was held each week at the hospital lobby at which 12 donors from the different departments gave blood.

  
 

A photo exhibit on blood donation, steps in the blood donation process and featuring donors during the past years was displayed at the hospital lobby during the whole month.  Posters promoting Voluntary blood Donation and announcements on the various activities for the Blood Donor’s Month were placed in strategic locations in the medical center.  These activities were undertaken to increase the awareness of our medical center staff and the general public on the importance and benefits of Voluntary Blood Donation.

  
 

 

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