The end of November marks the Last days to get a free prostate cancer checkup in Merida.
MERIDA (Times Media Mexico).- The “Reto IAP” a group based in Merida, which for more than 20 years has been supporting women with cancer, dedicated their service to men’s healthcare this November, offering free prostate testing for an early detection of prostate cancer.
Friné Vela Vargas de Novelo, president of the non-profit association, explained that in Yucatan 13.3 cases of this type of cancer are reported for every 100 thousand men; a rate that exceeds the national average, which is 11.1 per 100 thousand individuals.
“Women and men need to be more and better educated about cancer to halt the myths that exist about the tests they need to undergo in the case of prostate cancer ,” he said.
He added that in partnership with Merida Biomedical Laboratories, free tests, recommended for men from the age of 45, are being offered.
Interested parties only have to contact 9991-00-36-36, from 8:00 to 13:00 hours. The deadline is this Saturday, November 30.
The president of the association recalled that the group implements several programs such as free informative conferences at schools and businesses, as well as in communities outside the capital.
“You have to talk about what cancer is, there are many myths and taboos. The word cancer is not synonymous with death,” he said.
Reto IAP, counts with the participationof 20 collaborators, including doctors, psychologists, thanatologists, nurses, as well as volunteers.
One of their programs is designed for sixth graders, in order to educate them on health and prevention issues from an early age.
Also available, counseling and free consultations are offered, as well as visits to patients with support from psychologists, thanatologists and palliative care specialists, among others.
Vela Vargas mentioned that in Mexico 7,000 men die from prostate cancer every year. In addition, 4 out of 10 reach the specialist in advanced stages of the disease. Males with a family history of cancer are at risk, so they should have annual screenings, starting at the age of 40.
For those with no family history, testing is recommended from the age of 45.
The Yucatan Times Newsroom
