CEBU, Philippines - Think of an important woman in your life. Imagine her struggling with a disease.
She did not know about it early on. Now, she can no longer eat as much, get out of bed, or live at all. She is fighting a battle.
A battle against cervical cancer.
Every eight minutes, a Filipina dies of cervical cancer. It is the cause of second cancer-related deaths among women, next to breast cancer, with about 6,000 cases being diagnosed each year.
This is primarily caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, which can be transmitted not only through sexual contact but also through skin-to-skin contact.
The disease approximately affects 80 percent of all sexually active people. And for every woman who comes in contact with it, may be the next victim.
Awareness
“Maria”, 37, is a victim who had detected her cancer at its first stage. She has been consulting an OB-Gynaecologist, due to her desire to have a baby after 6 years of marriage.
“Bata man ako gipangayo, di man kani (I asked for a child, not this one.),” Maria said, referring to cervical cancer.
Fortunately for Maria, the cancer was detected early. Adding to her luck is the financial support she gets from her relatives abroad for the treatments and the continuous monitoring of her cervix.
She is determined not to lose this battle against cancer. However, some are not as auspicious and determined as Maria, which is why awareness for cervical cancer is still very much needed.
Organizations like Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program and She Matters - Cervical Cancer Foundation Inc. are just two of the few organizations in Cebu that caters to the needs of women with the said disease.
They participate in outreach programs and give free pap smears to women in certain areas.
Dr. Ellen Amorin of CECAP shares her deep concern regarding the matter, “What’s one pap smear, compared to the expenses of undergoing surgery or chemotherapy?”
The fact that people rarely or do not visit a doctor at all, and eventually find out the worst matters in terms of health, actually affects the family and community, she pointed out.
“In our culture, it is innate that we are too conscious to have ourselves examined,” Amorin states how people deprive themselves of doing what is best for them.
On the other hand, Ms. Emee Aquino, the founder of She Matters, has also been an active advocate against the disease.
Overcoming the loss of her sister due to the disease had led her to this active independent foundation, which aims to create awareness on cervical cancer among women.
“HPV infection is common among women but most women do not know about it because nobody talks about it. Nobody talks about it because one of the causes which is a virus, is sexually transmitted,” Aquino said.
The foundation approaches offices and schools for an hour-talk with teachers or employees about the disease and the ways to prevent it.
Cervical cancer is 100 percent preventable. Upon engaging in sexual contact, it is recommended that one should undergo pap smear three years after and continue doing so annually.
During the pre-malignant stage, there are no obvious symptoms that show signs of cervical cancer. Not until it reaches the advance stages, wherein symptoms may include vaginal bleeding, foul smelling vaginal discharge, post-coital bleeding and pain during intercourse.
In the cervical cancer manual produced by CECAP, primary prevention includes total sexual abstinence, lifetime mutual monogamy, barrier protection, and vaccination.
Aside from the key preventive factors, studies had also proven its basic preventive measures such as eating healthily (think green, leafy vegetables), not smoking, and not having multiple sex partners.
“There is a silent and common killer among us (women). A woman does not have to die of it because it is preventable. This disease is common and we are all susceptible to it,” Aquino said.
Cervical cancer may attack anytime because of its carrier’s inability to detect. An annual visit to the doctor is heavily advised, as early detection is not too far from cure.
Again, cervical cancer is 100 percent preventable. Now, it is all on your hands to be part of the change, the awareness, and the cause. (FREEMAN)