The importance of women - and cervical cancer awareness
MANILA, Philippines - Babae Mahalaga Ka is the theme of Cervical Awareness Month and Filipino women nationwide are encouraged to take better care of themselves by being conscious of the perils of cervical cancer. This is the most common cancer among women in the Philippines, with about 6,000 cases being diagnosed each year.
“The incidence of cervical cancer rises starting 30 years of age, and peaks at ages 45 to 55,” says Dr. Rey Delos Reyes, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines. “However, the recommendation is that women initiate screening three years after first sexual contact.” He notes that societal mores can put off unmarried women from openly admitting sexual activity, so that they do not submit themselves for cervical cancer screening. The results can be dire. Worldwide statistics show that 493,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, with 274,000 deaths. Of the latter, more than 80 percent occur in developing countries like the Philippines.
“In the Philippines, the incidence rate is 22 per 100,000 women and the overall survival rate is 44 percent,” continues Dr. Delos Reyes. “Two-thirds of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, so that 12 women die of the disease each day.” Although cervical cancer is asymptomatic or shows no symptoms in its early phase, symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding (usually post-coital), malodorous vaginal discharge, pelvic discomfort, dysuria or painful urination and leg edema and pain in later stages.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), particularly types 16, 18 and 45, has been implicated in cervical cancer and is the type most common in the Philippines. Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and high-risk types may also lead to vulvar or genital cancer. Other types can result in genital warts, affecting 32 million men and women worldwide. Apart from recommending vaccination to prevent infection, physicians advocate the Single Visit Approach where visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy of warts is performed in one sitting.
To mark Cervical Cancer Awareness month this May, the Department of Health (DOH), along with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP), the Philippine Society for Cervical Pathology and Coloscopy, the Cancer Resource and Wellness (Carewell) Community, and Merck Sharp & Dohme, undertook free nationwide cervical cancer screening for women ages 25 to 44 last May 26. Sixty DOH-retained hospitals all over the country participated in the program, which took place just days after a DOH two-day symposium for doctors, health experts, and professionals on prevention and control of cervical cancer in the Philippines, including ways to address the root virus of the disease or HPV.
“Cervical cancer is a crucial secondary prevention method for early detection and treatment; and the aim is to elevate the cause of cervical cancer prevention into a national platform,” concludes Dr. Delos Reyes. “Vaccination represents a primary prevention method to inhibit the development of the cervical cancer, as well as other HPV-related diseases. The goal is to increase awareness and action against cervical cancer among the general population.”
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For a list of DOH accredited hospitals that will provide free cervical screening, log on to www.doh.gov.ph. Or visit www.babaemahalagaka.com or www.helpfighthpv.com.
