Women urged: Visit doctor to prevent cervical cancer

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health is urging all women to regularly visit a doctor for consultation to mitigate the alarming cases of cervical cancer.

Dr. Helen Amorin,  Gyn Oncology  of Vicente Memorial Medical Center(VSMMC), said that cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women, next to breast cancer that has affected over half a million women globally.

Amorin said, unlike breast cancer which can be acquired genetically, cervical cancer is a preventable disease which is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) transmitted through sexual intercourse.

"We have an incidence of 65 patients per year diagnosed with cervical cancer and most of them, an average of them, will die in the next five years because of the advance disease," said Dr. Phendes Galbo, president of Philippine Obstretical Gynecological Society.

The date was obtained based on a community survey in partnership with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated.

According to Amorin, the early stage of the disease shows no symptoms to the person affected. However, during the advance stage several symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, and dyspalomia or pain during sexual intercourse will be felt.

Galbo said there is only 30 percent chance of survival if the cancer is diagnosed late. Galbo said there are two ways to prevent cervical cancer. The first and most effective prevention is vaccination of girls ages 9 to 13 years old. It is 70 to 80 percent effective. The second prevention is a yearly pap smear of women ages 21-65 years old.

"I think the reason ngano dili kaayo moguwa ang babaye, ma-disclose ang babaye nga naa siyay cervical cancer tungod kay duna siyay pagka-stigma nga sexually related type nga cancer. So, meaning you will not get it if you didn't have a sexual exposure to the virus," he added.

The Philippine Obstetrical Gynecological Society in cooperation with DOH is observing the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Among the activities lined up for the month-long observance is a mass cervical screening for women ages 25-50 years old on May 14 at the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office. — Larry  V. Villarin and Chiara Lei L. Quilapio (FREEMAN)