What every woman should know

The Department of Health (DOH) alongside The Cancer Institute Foundation, The Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP), UP-PGH Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infectious Diseases Section (IDS), Immunizers, National Bookstore, Magnolia Healthy Drinks and Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) recently held a press conference entitled “Babae, Mahalaga Ka! Makiisa sa Laban, Magpa-Cervical Cancer Screening Na!” at the Hyatt Hotel.

The press conference was held to further inform everyone of the progress made in the campaign since its inception earlier this year. Launched in May 2008 to celebrate the first national cervical cancer prevention month and to help educate women and men about the dangers of cervical cancer and the importance of being screened and getting protected, the Babae, Mahalaga Ka! cervical cancer advocacy aimed to spread awareness and information on the disease as well as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common virus that can infect both men and women and, when high-risk, can ultimately lead to cervical cancer.

Since May, information has been disseminated about cervical cancer — its causes, how to detect the disease, how to prevent it, as well as urging women to go to their doctors for cervical cancer screening. In line with the ongoing advocacy campaigns, the DOH has strengthened its program for cervical cancer awareness by conducting nationwide lay forums, working with other government and LGUs to make screenings more readily available. They have also partnered with corporations such as National Bookstore, Magnolia Healthy Drinks, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), UP-PGH OB-IDS and Immunizers who will help spread information on the disease through their various awareness efforts.

Afterwards, DOH along with representatives from CIF, CECAP, UP-PGH IDS, Immunizers, National Bookstore, Magnolia and MSD signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) solidifying their support to the advocacy.

It was an informative session and the DOH along with its partners are working harder to spread the information and help prevent more deaths from cervical cancer highlighting the importance of knowing the risk factors, so that women can avoid their risk of developing cervical cancer. Some of these risk factors include HPV infection, lack of regular screening, weakened immune system, age (cervical cancer is more prone to happen to women above 40), smoking cigarettes, long time use of birth control pills, and even having too many children. While some of these risk factors cannot be avoided, precautions can be taken and preventive measures such as healthy living, regular screenings and other preventive measures can be taken.

Avoiding risk factors may help protect women from cervical cancer and other cancers and diseases related to human papillomavirus (HPV). Delaying sexual intercourse while one is young can help avoid HPV; limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding sex with people who have had many sexual partners can lower the risk of exposure to HPV; and consulting a doctor about screening and other preventive measures can also avoid the risk factors.

In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, taking nearly 10 women’s lives daily. Through the combined efforts of DOH and its partners, the Babae, Mahalaga Ka! campaign can help decrease deaths with proper education, screenings and other preventive measures.

(For more information, visit www.mahalagaka.com)