When silence becomes a health risk

Women are often the caregivers, nurturers and problem-solvers in their families and communities, yet their own health needs can easily be overlooked. Between juggling responsibilities at home and at work, many put off routine checkups and avoid discussing health concerns that may feel uncomfortable or taboo.

“During coffee meets with your girlfriends, do you ever discuss health concerns? No, right? We always talk about the latest fashion or makeup trends,” observed Miss Universe Philippines 2024 MJ Lastimosa at the recent “Because She Can: Preventive Health for a Thriving Future — A Women’s Health Roundtable” held at Common Ground in Rockwell, Makati City.

Her remark underscores a common reality: while women readily share stories about work, relationships and lifestyle, conversations about health are often left unspoken. This reluctance becomes even more pronounced when the topic is human papillomavirus (HPV). Because the virus is sexually transmitted, many women fear judgment or misunderstanding, leading them to avoid discussions about a disease that is both common and largely preventable.

That silence can be particularly dangerous. HPV is one of the most common viral infections worldwide and a leading cause of cervical cancer. Yet despite the availability of vaccination and regular screening, awareness about HPV and its risks remains low among many women.
Addressing this gap was the focus of the roundtable discussion organized by MSD, which brought together health experts, advocates and media representatives to encourage more open conversations about women’s health and the importance of prevention. Joining the conversation were content creator and advocate Ayn Bernos, Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma, and obstetrician-gynecologist and cervical cancer prevention advocate Dr. Ada Angela Cabrera, with momfluencer Alexis Tinsay serving as moderator.

“We are gathered here because we need to take action and take ownership of our health because we can. We only have one life, and the choices we make for our health will shape the kind of life we intentionally want to live,” said Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, MSD in the Philippines country medical lead, during her welcome remarks.

The discussion formed part of MSD’s Guard Against HPV initiative, which aims to raise awareness about HPV-related diseases and empower women to make informed decisions through prevention, early detection, and timely intervention.

Taking charge before it’s too late

The conversation comes at a crucial time, as cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Filipino women, claiming an estimated 12 lives every day. Nearly all cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can affect both women and men. Studies show that 80 to 90 percent of sexually active individuals will acquire HPV at least once in their lifetime.

Despite its prevalence, HPV remains widely misunderstood, underscoring the need for stronger awareness and education. If left undetected and untreated, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

During the roundtable, speakers emphasized the importance of proactive preventive care over waiting for symptoms to appear.
Dr. Cabrera noted: “The younger you are when you receive the vaccine, the better the protection it can provide. But regardless of age, if you are over 45, have not yet been vaccinated, and have the means to do so, getting vaccinated is still worth considering,” she said. “It is always better to invest in prevention and protect yourself early, rather than having to deal with the consequences later on.”

Safe spaces and open conversations can empower women

Beyond awareness, speakers underscored the importance of judgment-free spaces where women can openly discuss their health concerns and feel empowered to make informed decisions.

For Joy Barcoma, breaking stigma begins with normalizing conversations and becoming a source of support for others.

“I try to normalize these conversations and create an environment where people do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their health. I want to be a safe space for others,” she said. “When we create safe spaces, conversations like these can thrive, and prevention becomes something we embrace—not fear or blame ourselves for.”

Ayn Bernos echoed the importance of grounding conversations in accurate information rather than fear.

“Information alone is already a big step forward, and everything else can follow from there,” she said. “Once I allowed myself to receive the right information and education, I realized there was nothing to fear in the first place.”

She added that empowerment comes with action: “When you take those steps, you realize it is not as overwhelming as it seems. We do have control, and we can influence what happens in our lives.”

Meanwhile, MJ Lastimosa stressed that investing in health is also an investment in the future.

“It is not just about how you look physically or what you post on social media. It is about genuinely taking care of yourself,” she said. “Many diseases develop over time, and the choices we make today have a lasting impact. Taking care of your future self begins now.”

For Lastimosa, taking charge of one’s health is an ongoing commitment.

“Taking charge of my health means understanding that I will always be a work in progress. It is not about fixing one thing and considering the job done,” she said. “I will continue to advocate for myself, seek ways to become better, and share what I learn with my family and friends.”

The panelists also emphasized that breaking the silence around conditions like HPV is just as important as medical prevention itself, as stigma and lack of information often delay women from seeking timely care.

As the discussion concluded, one message stood out clearly: prevention is most effective when it is paired with open dialogue, informed choices and early action. By normalizing conversations around women’s health, advocates hope to shift behaviors from hesitation to empowerment — ensuring that more women take charge of their health before it is too late.