Cancer Awareness is vital for everyone and early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys is encouraged. The cancers that are frequently affect men are prostate, colon, lung, and skin cancers.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It has two or more lobes, or sections, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. The prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. It surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder and supplies fluid that goes into semen.

What are some common prostate problems?

The most common prostate problem in men younger than age 50 is inflammation, called prostatitis. Prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is another common problem. Because the prostate continues to grow as a man ages, BPH is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 50. Older men are at risk for prostate cancer as well, but it is much less common than BPH.

What are the symptoms of prostate problems?

The symptoms of prostate problems may include
urinary retention—the inability to empty the bladder completely
urinary frequency—urination eight or more times a day
urinary urgency—the inability to delay urination
urinary incontinence—the accidental loss of urine
nocturia—frequent urination at night
trouble beginning a urine stream
weak or interrupted urine stream
blockage of urine
urine that has an unusual color or odor
pain after ejaculation or during urination
Different prostate problems may have similar symptoms. For example, one man with prostatitis and another with may both experience urinary urgency. Sometimes symptoms for the same prostate problem differ among individuals. For example, one man with BPH may have trouble beginning a urine stream, while another may experience nocturia. A man in the early stages of prostate cancer may have no symptoms at all. Because of this confusing array of symptoms, a thorough medical exam and testing are vital.

What is the first test for detecting prostate problems?

The first test for detecting prostate problems is a blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made only by the prostate gland. This test is often included in routine physical exams for men older than age 50. It is recommended that a PSA blood test be given to all men starting at age 40.

Why is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test performed?

A PSA blood test is performed BPH to detect or rule out prostate cancer. The amount of PSA in the blood is often higher in men who have prostate cancer. However, an elevated PSA level does not necessarily indicate prostate cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the PSA blood test for use in conjunction with a DRE to help detect prostate cancer in men age 50 or older and for monitoring men with prostate cancer after treatment. However, much remains unknown about how to interpret a PSA blood test, its ability to discriminate between cancer and problems such as BPH and prostatitis, and the best course of action if the PSA level is high.
When done in addition to a DRE, a PSA blood test enhances detection of prostate cancer. However, the test is known to have relatively high false-positive rates. A PSA blood test also may identify a greater number of medically insignificant lumps or growths, called tumors, in the prostate. Health care providers and patients should weigh the benefits of PSA blood testing against the risks of follow-up diagnostic tests. The procedures used to diagnose prostate cancer may cause significant side effects, including bleeding and infection. (www.healthguide.com)

By Dr. Ma. Katherina L. Lat-Herrin, Dermatologist, Skin Center and a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society.

"Hanging around, nothing to do but frown, Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.”

Rainy days are in! Say hi to moisture and humidity, for here in our country, we only have two seasons – wet and dry. For most dermatologists, the rainy season means saying hi to fungal skin infections (especially on the feet), psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis (skin asthma). While these skin conditions may be seen throughout the year, they are unfortunately more common during the rainy season. A lot of people don’t know that it is actually more humid during the rainy season. Moisture is trapped in the air, making it warmer or muggier. The increased humidity means more sweating. Sweat on the skin can be itchy, making people scratch and can bring out the rashes of skin asthma and psoriasis. Having too much rain also means flooding. Unfortunately, there are some days when we are unavoidably forced to walk through flood waters. This makes our feet wet while inside closed shoes, making them ripe for molds, giving us alipunga (Tinea pedis or fungal infections of the feet).

 What can we do to avoid getting fungal infections then? It would be good if we came prepared for possible flooding. Wear rubber boots if you know you will need to wade in flood waters. If you find yourself in flood waters unexpectedly, make sure you remove your shoes as soon as you’re on dry land; wash your feet with soap and water and dry well, especially between the roes. This means you should always bring a small extra towel or small tissue with you, not to mention an extra pair of shoes or slippers (if you can!), that way you do not have to walk barefoot while waiting for your shoes to dry. Don’t forget to dry your wet shoes under the sun as soon as the sun comes out!

For those with psoriasis and skin asthma (atopic dermatitis), it I advisable to wear clothes made of cotton fabric to prevent the trapping of sweat. Having a change of clothes with you all the time gives you the option of changing into dry clothes. If you need to remove sweat or moisture, do so with gentle pats on the skin using a soft cloth or paper towel or some tissue paper. Don’t rub away the sweat, and DO NOT scratch.

Some year-round advice for those with psoriasis and skin asthma: Use mild and/or moisturizing soaps to avoid the over-drying brought about by most soaps. If you need to use moisturizers during the rainy season, go for light lotions on the body – thick moisturizers cause sweating.

If red scaly rashes do come out eventually, we advise you to consult with a board certified dermatologist immediately. Try to avoid self-medicating, or asking the sales clerk at the pharmacy or drug store for medical advice. Sometimes the creams that you may use (that are not prescribed by a board-certified dermatologist) can make the rash worse instead of better.

The CMC Eye Center was established sometime in 1977 – with the hope of providing a specialty facility equipped with capabilities for out-patient diagnostic and interventional procedures that aid in the more efficient management of common eye disorders. It was envisioned to be a convenient one-stop ophthalmology center that could cater to the needs of eye specialists practicing in Capitol Medical Center and of patients referred by other ophthalmologists practicing in near-by areas.

Through the past 15 years, the eye center has continued to emerge as a facility that tries to have a more meaningful relevance to the community and doctors that is serves. It has remained committed to provide comprehensive eye care services to address discriminating demands and needs to its ever growing patient base and other eye doctors who have shown increasing confidence in its diagnostic and treatment capabilities. It has been geared towards positive directions by its various past section chiefs who are accomplished and competent specialists starting from Dr. Benjamin Cabrera, Jr, Dr. Gregorio Sison, and the late Dr. Francisco Cruz.

The eye center is currently headed by Dr. Reynaldo E. Santos (External Eye Disease Specialist) and ably supported by its active staff: Dr. Marcelito Insilay (EENT); Dr. Gregorio Sison (EENT); Dr. Benjamin Cabrera (Low Vision & Cataract Specialist); Dr. Margarita Lat-Luna (Glaucoma Specialist); Dr. Jesus Altuna (Glaucoma Specialist); Dr. Michael del Rosario (Retina Specialist); Dr. Angeles De Leon (Oculoplasty Specialist); Dr. Alvin Agustin (Comprehensive Ophthalmologist); Dr. Lourdes Babaran (Comprehensive Ophthalmologist); Dr. Cynthia Domingo (Comprehensive Ophthalmologist) and Dr. Jennifer Carlos-Natalicio (Comprehensive Ophthalmologist).

Over the years, the center has taken a conscious effort in improving the quality of its services and in keeping up with the fast changing demands of modern ophthalmology. The Eye Center had undergone some renovation & repartitioning of its service areas that promotes a more compact and efficient patient flow and traffic within the center. With its new look and acquisition of more modern equipment, patient can expect better service at very competitive rate. The CMC Eye Center is open daily, from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.

CMC EYE CENTER MEDICAL STAFF: (seated L to R) Dr. Jennfier Carlos- Natalicio, Dr. Margarita Lat-Luna, Dr. Reynaldo E. Santos (Head), Dr. Lourdes Babaran, Dr. Cynthia Domingo. (standing L to R) ); Dr. Jesus Altuna, Dr. Alvin Agustin, Dr. Marcelito Insilay, Dr. Michael del Rosario, Dr. Gregorio Sison. Not in picture Dr. Benjamin Cabrera and Dr. Angeles De Leon

THE NEW OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT		DR. PERLA SANTOS-OCAMPOLIBRARY
The new CMC Out-Patient Department located along Quezon Avenue was blessed recently. Photo Shows (L-R) Ms. Carmina C. Desales, Pres., Dr. Thelma N. Clemente, Chairman, Mr. Luis Anotnio Clemente, Asst. Director, Dr. Jorge Logarta, Head, ER Dept. , Dr. Christia Padolina, Exec. Officer, Fr. Rani, CMC Chaplain and Dr. Editha Tuason, Head, Rehabiltation Medicine Dept.		Opening of the Dr. Perla Santos-Ocampo Library at the 7th Flr., CMC Bldg1. Photo shows (L-R) Dr. Arturo Ludan, Dr. Realiza Henson, Ms. Carmina C. Desales, and Dr. Ernesto Delos Reyes

Aside from its state of the art facilities and equipments, CMC can boast of a roster of compassionate and service oriented employees trained to assist others the best they can even if it would entail sacrifice on their part. This is the culture that CMC has ingrained in the hearts of its employees which the institution can take pride as serving its basic purpose. Among the CMC workforce, the following are stand outs for this issue not just because of impressive performance but they have proven their strong sense of social responsibility to others by voluntarily donating blood for in patients who are in need of the rare blood type B+. They are;

		Emmanuel Gopez – Staff Nurse hired on August 13, 2000. He donated blood to a patient without accepting any favor in return. He has proven to everyone that SERVICE rendered by a Nurse is not limited to what is indicated In the job description but rather extension of assistance far beyond compare.
		Mark Jason Macalinao – Orderly. He is a BS Nursing graduate but settled to the job of an Orderly just so he can save up for another attempt at getting a Registered Nurse license. He volunteered to donate blood during the surgery of one of CMC’s founders, Mr. Luis C. Clemente.
		Stephen Borja – Orderly. He was hired on May 02, 2001. With more than a decade in CMC’s employ, he has learned the virtue of sharing oneself in the service of others and made it his way of life. He voluntarily donated blood for Mr. Clemente during the latter’s surgery on June 09, 2012.

To CMC’s “Three Musketeers”, we SALUTE you for your heroic deeds. May your tribe increase !!!!

OUR PRIDE

Dr. Arturo Carbonell Ludan, FPPS, FAAP was given recognition by the Philippine Medical Association for “A Physician Contributing to Modern Medicine”. Dr. Ludan is an active medical staff, pediatrician-gastroenteologist of the Department of Pediatrics. CONGRATULATIONS!