Cervical cancer screening drive on

Obstetricians and gynecologists have identified various risk factors that are closely linked to cervical cancer. Among the most common risk factors are early sexual contact, having multiple sex partners, and having sex partners who are infected with the human papilloma virus.

"Early initiation into sex is a predisposing factor that leads to cervical cancer," says Dr. Lyra Ruth Clemente-Chua, president of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS).

Cervical cancer is now the second most common cancer among women. Every year, the disease afflicts about 500,000 women worldwide. In the Philippines alone, about 4,000 cases were reported last year.

Women should be more conscious about safeguarding their health. It is important to always keep in mind the basic facts about care of the reproductive system. Aside from the practice of safe sex, feminine hygiene should also be on top of a women’s list.

There is a way to screen the presence of abnormal cells that can cause cervical cancer. Health experts recommend regular pap smear. Women should undergo this test with the onset of sexual activity or when they reach the age of 17. A pap smear allows the doctor to see any abnormal change in the cervix.

To help Filipino women fight cervical cancer, Sanofi-Synthelabo Phils., a global research-based pharmaceutical company, recently launched its "A Peso to Detect, A Peso to Protect" campaign. For every Lactacyd bottle sold in selected supermarkets, grocery stores and drugstores, Sanofi-Synthelabo will donate a peso to the Cervical Cancer Screening Campaign.

POGS and Sanofi-Synthelabo, as part of their public service programs, are again offering free pap smear tests nationwide this year. Since the start of the campaign last year, 3,667 women have availed themselves of free screening tests.

This year, Sanofi-Synthelabo president Peter Dolinsky and Clemente-Chua hope to reach more patients by conducting more free pap smear screening activities.

The campaign reeled off last Feb. 19 at the St. Luke’s Medical Center where free pap smear tests were administered to about 100 patients. The tests were conducted by OB gynecologists of the St. Luke’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, headed by Dr. Pilar Lagman-Dy.

Free pap smear tests were also conducted yesterday at the Perpetual Hospital in Las Piñas. Screening tests open to the public are scheduled on March 28 at the Manila Doctors Hospital.