Smoking increases cervical cancer risk

CEBU, Philippines - Early detection is what matters most, according to a group advocating the prevention of the spread of cervical cancer.

With that, the SHE MATTERS Cervical Cancer Foundation, Inc. founded by Mrs. Emee Aquino joins hands with volunteers in spreading awareness about one of the most common cancers of today.

Doctor Adeline Linawagan, an OB-gynecologist at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, said that smoking, unhealthy eating habits, taking of oral contraceptive pills for more than five years and having multiple sex partners are factors that contribute to cervical cancer risks.

Linawagan said this during a presentation before participants in last Tuesday’s forum on cervical cancer awareness, which was attended by volunteers from the University of San Carlos (USC), University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), and Saint Theresa’s College (STC).

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that infects the cervix. Having a pap smear is the cheapest and easiest way to detect the virus and is done only once a year.

Aside from early detection, having a healthy lifestyle is the best way to avoid the disease such as having regular exercises, good sleeping patterns, a clean environment and avoiding vices are good ways of prevention.

The volunteers aim to echo to other schools what they have learned from the forum. They also have fundraising activities through garage sales, as well as video presentations about cervical cancer and its dangers.

Aquino stressed that cervical cancer could be prevented 100 percent, and it only takes one day of the year for women to go out for a pap smear. (FREEMAN)