Empowering women against cervical cancer

MANILA, Philippines - Worldwide, cervical cancer ranks fifth among the most common cancer affecting women. There are about 500,000 reported cases of cervical cancer each year, resulting in 270,000 deaths. In the Philippines alone, statistics show that 12 Filipino women die of the disease every day.

May being officially declared as Cervical Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, premium healthcare provider Healthway Medical takes it upon itself to educate and empower women against the disease.

“It is important that we shed light on this serious medical issue that is affecting more and more Filipino women. Raising awareness equips women with the knowledge and know-how on how to deal with the possibilities of the disease,” says Carmie De Leon, Healthway Medical’s vice president for sales and marketing.

The malignancy commonly develops from a sexually transmitted infection called Human Papillomavirus (HPV) with over 90 percent of cases attributed to the infection. Existing precancerous cells often stay dormant and can take up to 10 to 15 years before becoming cancer cells. This means there is ample time for patients to detect the disease before it matures.

Currently, vaccines available for women aged nine to 45 help prevent the acquisition of HPV. However, this can only take effect if administered before getting exposed to the infection and there are still some cancer-causing types of HPV that aren’t covered by the vaccine. Which is why undergoing regular cancer screening is important to prevent the onset of the malignancy.

“Cervical cancer caused by HPV is a highly preventable and curable disease provided that patients have enough knowledge. It’s important for women aged 30 and older to undergo regular Pap smear and HPV tests because it offers the best protection against cervical cancer. These procedures help make sure abnormal cells are diagnosed and treated early,” says Healthway Medical’s Dr. Angeli Aresta-Del Valle.

Before the development of the Pap Smear or Pap Test, cervical cancer was the most common cause of cancer death for women in the United States. The onset of the screening test significantly lowers the death rate caused by the disease. Currently, 90 percent of cervical cancer is curable if treated early enough.

Symptoms of cervical cancer only manifest during the latter stages of the disease, which is why it is highly recommended that women go through regular cancer screening tests. Healthway Medical, with its most-preferred network of mall-based clinics, offers sophisticated cancer screening technology including Tumor Marker Tests, Mammograms, and Pap Smear Tests conducted by trusted healthcare professionals.

For more information about Healthway Medical’s services, visit Healthway clinics at Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Greenbelt 5, Market! Market!, Shangri-La Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, and SM North The Block; visit. www.healthway.com.ph or call 751-4929.