PHMC PRIVACY NOTICE

The Perpetual Help Medical Center (PHMC) respects the privacy rights of all individuals and is committed to handling personal data responsibly and in accordance with the Republic Act 10173, known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and its pertinent rules and regulations, because your privacy is important to us.

This is not a consent form but this is PHMC’s general statement on its data processing activities to notify Data Subjects of Personal Data processed and the purpose and extent of processing. PHMC may further provide other notices at the time of specific activities.

PHMC collects the following data: 1) Personal details- name, birth, gender, civil status and affiliations; 2) Contact information- address, email, mobile and telephone numbers; 3) Medical information- physical, psychiatric and psychological information; 4)Employment information- government-issued numbers, position and functions; 5)Applicant information- academic background and previous employments; 6) Academic information- grades, course and academic standing; 7) Supplier and 3rd Party Provider information- company profile, DTI/ SEC registration, business permits and licenses, BIR registration and other business related information. PHMC may likewise collect other information that it believes are relevant to meet the requirements of government authorities and for any other legitimate purposes.

PHMC processes data to: 1) Conduct its functions, perform its obligations, and exercise its rights as a healthcare service provider; 2) Act for the holistic welfare of patients, service recipients, and their respective representatives and companions; and, 3) Manage its affairs as a company, medical, and educational institution with its own obligations and rights.

The PHMC Website uses cookies to personalize the user’s browsing experience, link to social media sharing, troubleshoot issues, and monitor site visits and NOT in any way collect personal information for any form of processing.

PHMC collects Personal Data through submission by the Data Subject and by affiliates through electronic systems and platforms, e-forms, email, or through printed forms, attachments, and other documents required by its medical and administrative offices at the onset of service, transaction or processing. With regard to personal data from affiliates, PHMC maintains a Data Sharing Agreement particularizing the obligations of the parties thereto foremost of which is its protection and privacy.

PHMC collects Personal Data from Patient at entry points or upon registration at Inpatient, Outpatient and ER departments.

PHMC stores and protects data in physical and electronic forms: Managed by its medical and administrative offices, physical records in folders/ envelopes are ultimately stored in box files in shelves in a dedicated secured area while electronic records are stored in secured servers with high availability and redundancy.

PHMC collects and uses Personal Data proportionately as necessary for its legitimate purposes in providing best service to patients in accordance with the PHMC policies and in compliance with the DPA of 2012 and requirement of the Department of Health and other government bodies.

PHMC retains data in accordance with its policies on retention compliant to government rules and regulations, such as but not limited to, those from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), the Local Government Units (LGUs), among others.

Contact:Contact: Inquiries and concerns on data privacy may only be directed to PHMC Data Protection Office: PHMC

Address: Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Pinas 1704

Telephone: 8874-8515

What You Need To Know About Colon Cancer

What do you need to know about colon cancer?

It is not the same as colorectal cancer
It often causes no symptoms during the early stages
It carries numerous risk factors
It is diagnosed by a variety of tests
It is treated according to the stage

The colon, or large intestine, is where water and nutrients from partially digested food are stored. If you’re wondering about what is colon cancer, it is a condition wherein tumors develop in the large intestine.

Colon cancer is now the third most common type of cancer worldwide. It can occur at any age, although it typically affects older people. It is recommended for people at the age of 50 years to be tested for colon cancer. That being said, it is best to consult your Las Pinas doctors because there are many screening tests involved for colon cancer. Continue reading on to learn more about this concerning condition.

It Is Not The Same As Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer and colon cancer are medical terms that are often used interchangeably. However, it is important to keep in mind that colorectal cancer is a general term that refers to cancer that starts either from the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on the origin.

Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often associated with each other because they have many features in common. For one, they manifest in the same way. They carry the same risk factors, symptoms, and fatal incidences. Despite the similarities, there are striking differences between the two cancers including the risk between genders, anatomy, and treatment.

It Often Causes No Symptoms During The Early Stages

Doctor holding colon xray

Colon cancer usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) cells called polyps. Over time, these polyps can develop to become colon cancers. Polyps produce few to no symptoms in their early ages.

Found in its earliest stages, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate. For this reason, doctors highly recommend regular colon cancer screening tests. They can identify and remove the polyps before they mature into cancer cells.

Some of the commonly reported symptoms include:

Diarrhea
Constipation
Changes in stool consistency (dark, loose, narrow)
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Change in bowel habits
Anemia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Persistent cramps or low back pain
Feeling bloated

It Carries Numerous Risk Factors

Numerous risk factors act alone or in combination to increase an individual’s chances of developing colon cancer. These include the following:

Older age – Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50.
African-American race – African-Americans are exposed to a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps – If you already had colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps, you are at greater risk.
Chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions – This can include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Family history of colon cancer – You are more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a blood relative who developed the condition. In addition, some inherited gene mutations/syndromes passed through generations can increase your risk of colon cancer significantly.
A sedentary lifestyle – Physically inactive people are more likely to develop colon cancer.
Obesity – People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer when compared with people under normal weight.
Smoking
Alcohol drinking

It Is Diagnosed By A Variety of Tests

Doctor holding colonoscopy camera

There are several tests to identify and stage colon cancer:

Stool Test – The fecal DNA test works by detecting genetic mutations and blood products in the stool. Normal colon cells and their genetic material are passed with the stool every day.
Sigmoidoscopy – A sigmoidoscope is inserted into the anus and up through the rectum and sigmoid colon. Gas is pumped in during the procedure to provide a clear view for the doctor. Small polyps found during a sigmoidoscopy can be removed and tested for cancer.
Colonoscopy – Colonoscopy is the best procedure to check for colon polyps and cancer. As an outpatient procedure, a long and flexible colonoscope is used to view the rectum and entire colon. During the procedure, polyps can be removed and tested.
Double-Contrast Barium Enema – This is an x-ray examination of the colon in which barium is used as an enema through the rectum. Then, the air is blown into the rectum to expand the colon, producing an outline of the colon on an X-ray.
Computed Tomographic Colonoscopy – A CT scan of the colon and rectum is performed.

It Is Treated According To The Stage

The treatment for colon cancer is based on the stage of cancer. Staging identifies the severity of cancer. A doctor will also take consider the age, overall health status, and other characteristics of the patient when deciding on the best treatment option. The treatment options can include the use of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Depending on the cancer stage, the treatment can remove cancer, prevent its spread, or alleviate symptoms.

Key Takeaway

Now that you know what is colon cancer, get regularly screened. This is the key to diagnosing cancer early and receiving proper treatment immediately.

Here at the Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas, we are equipped to perform highly advanced surgical treatment of colon cancer. You can now avail of our Colonoscopy Package outpatient procedure for a price of P13,000++. The package includes the cost of the procedure, supplies and medicines to be used during the procedure and doctor’s professional fees.

Click here to contact our staff and learn more about it or visit us at Alabang-Zapote Rd., Pamplona III Las Pinas City, Philippines 1740.