Free cervical cancer screening set
MANILA, Philippines – Approximately 12 Filipinas die every day of cervical cancer but the disease is treatable, provided early detection is made.
May is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and institutions like Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP), and Cancer Resource and Wellness (Carewell) Community are partnering with the Department of Health to conduct a day of free cervical cancer screening on Friday, May 22 for females, aged 15-45, in selected DOH-retained hospitals in Metro Manila, La Union, Pangasinan, Cebu, and Davao.
Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), some types of which are also responsible for causing genital warts, vulvar cancer, and vaginal cancer. HPV infection is a common infection and is spread mainly through direct genital contact. While most HPV infections clear on their own, in some women who do not clear certain types of HPV, cervical cancer, vaginal, and vulvar cancer as well as genital warts can develop.
On May 22, an open forum will also be conducted in participating hospitals to educate the public about women’s health, cervical cancer, and cervical cancer prevention and screening, and to encourage positive action among those who are at risk for the disease. Information materials and support activities will likewise be made available to cancer patients to assist them in their recovery.
The free screening and lectures will be done in the following hospitals: Amang Rodriguez Medical Center, Marikina; Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Manila; East Avenue Medical Center, Quezon City; Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Caloocan; Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila; Las Piñas City Medical Center; Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Quezon City, Rizal Medical Center, Pasig; Valenzuela General Hospital; Tondo Medical Center, Manila; Davao Medical Center; Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in La Union; Region 1 Medical Center, Pangasinan; and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu. Those who are interested to participate should pre-register for the screening in the said hospitals from May 12-15.
For more information about cervical cancer and HPV, log on to www.mahalagaka.com.
