Cervical Cancer awareness month: Survivors, advocates, doctors join Lantern Walk

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of cervical cancer advocates including cervical cancer survivors, doctors, residents, and volunteers from all over Cebu marched together for the Lantern Walk held Saturday evening to kick off this year’s observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with the theme “Scarlet May”.

This year’s Lantern Walk was also participated by the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Ob-Gyn Department, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS-Cebu Chapter), She Matters, and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).

More than being mere lighting devices, lanterns have come to symbolize Cebu City’s advocacy against cervical cancer, serving as reminders that woman is the guiding light in the home.

The lanterns represent the strength of afflicted women in their battle against cervical cancer, one of the notorious causes of death among women all over the world with over 500,000 documented cases every year.

The walk aims to promote awareness of the disease, the importance of women in society, and the need for women to protect their health in order for them to be productive members of the community.

In the Philippines, cervical cancer remains to be the second most common disease among women – next to breast cancer – with an estimated 10,000 cases diagnosed every year, and half of them die five years after being diagnosed. There is an estimated 12 Filipinas who die of the disease every day.

Cervical cancer occurs when cancer cells develop in the lining of the cervix. It has been strongly linked to the human papilloma virus (HPV) which is acquired from sexual contact with an infected partner.

The early stages of the disease may show no visible symptoms to the person affected. However, during the advance stages, several symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, and dyspalomia or pain during sexual intercourse will be felt. Cervical cancer can be diagnosed and treated through early detection, which is why it is very important for women to undergo regular screenings.

One of the cervical cancer survivors who shared her testimony, was diagnosed with Stage 1B cancer last December 2014.  She urged women to listen to what their bodies are telling them, “Do not ignore anything you think is alarming. Do your screening regularly — pap smear is a must. I did mine only once, and that was it.”

“Do not be scared to get tested. There are numerous medical advances and good doctors who are there to help us”, she added.

“Dili diay gyud life sentence para nato ang cervical cancer. In God’s will, maka-survive gyud ta,” said another survivor who was diagnosed with Stage 2B cervical cancer last 2004 and has survived the disease for 12 years now.

During the course of the program, members of the DOH and students of Bel Cuore Music Studio presented production numbers that aimed to inspire and give hope to the women who are battling cervical cancer.

Dr. Nessa Patindol, Medical Coordinator of DOH-7, closed the program with the chant, “Babae mahalaga ka, magpa-screen now na!”

A mass screening for cervical cancer will be held in Lapu-Lapu City on May 14, Sunday. — Leny Sosas (FREEMAN)