Cervical cancer is one of the most curable types of cancer but despite this, it still ranks as one of the leading causes of death among Filipino women today. According to the Department of Health (DOH), while the number of cases of cervical cancer is decreasing in developed countries like the United States, it is on the rise in the Philippines.
Cervical cancer is commonly caused by the Human Papillomavirus. The HPV 16 and 18 viruses are commonly associated with the prevalence of cervical cancer among Filipino women.
Here are some of the identified as the reasons for the development of this disease:
- Risky sexual practices
- Sexual intercourse at young ages
- Use of injectable contraceptives
- Smoking
Cervical cancer is still one of the top killers of women in PH. Though cervical cancer can be fatal if not caught in its early stages, it is very treatable and can easily be detected through a Pap Smear test. A Pap Smear Test or Pap Test is a simple procedure that tests the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, lower part of the uterus which, according to doctors, is actually a very big help in bringing down cervical cancer cases.
“It is alarming that despite the availability of this the Pap Smear Test, many women are still not getting it as regularly as they should,” said Carmie De Leon, vice president for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical.
In observance of Women’s Month, Healthway Medical, the country’s most trusted and leading mall-based clinic, is one with the government in enjoining women to combat cervical cancer by making the public aware of the need to undergo Pap Smear Test.
“As our mission of making men and women aware of the importance of making healthy living part of every day lifestyle, we encourage women to take the Pap Smear Test every year or every 2 years. Healthway Medical offers this test in all our clinics in Metro Manila.” De Leon added.
She also adds that women should not be embarrassed to undergo the test insisting that the Pap Smear Test is relatively simple and poses no great discomfort.
To all gentlemen out there, if you are reading this article, share it to your mom, wife, sister, friend or any woman that you know because greater awareness is still needed to curb this preventable disease.
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| photo source : http://drcarmelcocchiaro.com/pap-smear-and-colposcopy/ |
Doctors advise that women 22 years old and above should undergo pap smear every year or once every three years, particularly when results are negative for three consecutive years. This ensures that the cancer is detected early while it is still treatable.
In another study done by the ICO Information Center on HPV and Cancer, 30.3M women in the Philippines ages 15 and above are at risk of developing cervical cancer. It is the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in the Philippines and is the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between the ages of 15 and 44 years of age.
De Leon added: “It is also important to get vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus while early even if you are not at-risk.”
For more details, please contact (02) 751-4929 or visit www.healthway.com.ph. Healthway Medical clinics are located at the Alabang Town Center, Edsa Shangri-la, Market! Market!, Festival Mall, Healthway Manila, SM The Block and Greenbelt 5
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Every woman should do the Pap test once a year and check her health. Cervical cancers is one of the worst for a woman and it spreads really fast too, especially at young ages. I believe in the vaccination and I think that all girls should have the chance to get the vaccine before they are 14.
ReplyDeleteChecking one's health and well-being should be made a priority, not just an option. I've talked with my OB before regarding the vaccination and though it's pricey, think of it as an investment for one's self diba?
ReplyDeletePrevention is always better than cure...thanks for the reminder.. I schedule my pap smears yearly with my OB and just recently i inquired about the vaccine... Will do the sessions soonest.. I believe that health is really a priority and we must invest on it heavily..
ReplyDeleteA very good article dear. It's good that we can spread information to everyone.
ReplyDeleteAn ounce of prevention is better than cure. Your article is a good reminder to schedule a yearly pap smear for women.
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to get a cervical cancer vaccine soon. This is a good reminder. I think I should get a pap smear soon too.
ReplyDeletePrevention really is key to avoid having a cervical cancer. Thankfully, I already got my cervical cancer vaccine 5 years ago when I was 19. I just don't want to try a pap smear. -Me-An
ReplyDeleteI had my vaccine a few years ago. It was really pricey but it a worthy investment. I should convince my mom to do a pap smear though. She hates going to doctors.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this guide. I, myself am not aware on the symptoms of cervical cancer and I appreciate this post. Now time to convince my sisters and mom to go do a pap smear.
ReplyDeletePrevention is always be better than cure. I hope everyone will raise awareness and can take proactive action on this issue.
ReplyDeleteThere's a similar campaign years ago but the cost of vaccine prevents mass adoption of the preventive vaccine. Indeed, pap smear is as important as PSI tests for men - Sonnie
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I do believed in prevention is better than cure. Thanks for this, I will consider to do vaccination soon. In my case I am a new married and I should be aware of this. Will talked 'bout this w/ my OB soon. Let's all raise awareness about it. Sabi nga nila kanino ba sisimulan ito, kundi sa sarili mismo natin
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent post. We all know that Prevention is the best way to keep yourself from disease. Like everyone said, Prevention is better than cure. What a great post indeed.
ReplyDeleteI finished my cervical vaccine last year though it was expensive I gave it a shot. I also blogged how I got an installment for it. It was the best decision because it is not only for me but also for my family who depends on me. Though I already got the vaccine, it is still best to have a pap smear once a year according to my age.
ReplyDelete