A proposal to make life-saving prostate cancer screenings more accessible to men is moving forward in Cebu City.
The Cebu City Council approved a resolution urging free annual check-ups for residents aged 40 and above. The measure, filed by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr., calls on Mayor Nestor Archival to direct the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) to implement the program as part of the city’s preventive healthcare initiatives.
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, both worldwide and in the Philippines.
According to data cited in the resolution, there were around 1.4 million new cases and over 375,000 deaths globally in 2020, while locally, an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 Filipino men are diagnosed each year.
Health experts have long warned that the disease can develop quietly, often showing no symptoms in its early stages.
The resolution stressed that regular screening—including Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examinations (DRE)—is crucial for early detection.
“Early detection significantly improves survival rates,” the resolution noted, citing that cases identified early can have a five-year survival rate of nearly 99 percent.
Alcover, who shared that he personally underwent prostate surgery and survived the condition, emphasized the importance of accessible screening.
The measure highlighted that many men aged 40 and above face barriers to timely check-ups, including financial limitations and the lack of free diagnostic services.
By positioning CCMC as the implementing body, the initiative aims to reach at-risk populations and provide preventive care without cost.
If rolled out, eligible male residents of Cebu City would be able to undergo annual prostate cancer screenings and medical check-ups free of charge, strengthening early detection and improving overall men’s health in the community. (LLP)
Image: Gentlehome
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