Cervical cancer is still one of the top killers of women in PH
Cervical cancer is one of the most
curable types of cancer but despite this, it still ranks as one of the
leading causes of death among Filipino women today. According to the
Department of Health (DOH), while the number of cases of cervical cancer
is decreasing in developed countries like the United States, it is on
the rise in the Philippines.
Cervical cancer is commonly caused
by the Human Papillomavirus. The HPV 16 and 18 viruses are commonly
associated with the prevalence of cervical cancer among Filipino women.
Risky sexual practices, sexual intercourse at young ages, use of
injectable contraceptives and even smoking are identified as the reasons
for the development of this disease.
Though cervical cancer can be fatal
if not caught in its early stages, it is very treatable and can easily
be detected through a Pap Smear test. A Pap Smear Test or Pap Test is a
simple procedure that tests the presence of abnormal cells in the
cervix, lower part of the uterus which, according to doctors, is
actually a very big help in bringing down cervical cancer cases.
“It is alarming that despite the
availability of this the Pap Smear Test, many women are still not
getting it as regularly as they should,” said Carmie De Leon, vice
president for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical.
In observance of Women’s Month,
Healthway Medical, the country’s most trusted and leading mall-based
clinic, is one with the government in enjoining women to combat cervical
cancer by making the public aware of the need to undergo Pap Smear
Test.
“As our mission of making men and
women aware of the importance of making healthy living part of every day
lifestyle, we encourage women to take the Pap Smear Test every year or
every 2 years. Healthway Medical offers this test in all our clinics in
Metro Manila.” De Leon added.
She also adds that women should not
be embarrassed to undergo the test insisting that the Pap Smear Test is
relatively simple and poses no great discomfort.
Doctors advise that women 22 years
old and above should undergo pap smear every year or once every three
years, particularly when results are negative for three consecutive
years. This ensures that the cancer is detected early while it is still
treatable.
In another study done by the ICO
Information Center on HPV and Cancer, 30.3M women in the Philippines
ages 15 and above are at risk of developing cervical cancer. It is the
2nd most frequent cancer among women in the Philippines and is the 2nd
most frequent cancer among women between the ages of 15 and 44 years of
age.
De Leon added: “It is also important
to get vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus while early even if
you are not at-risk.”
For more details, please contact (02) 751-4929 or visit www.healthway.com.ph.Healthway
Medical clinics are located at the Alabang Town Center, Edsa
Shangri-la, Market! Market!, Festival Mall, Healthway Manila, SM The
Block and Greenbelt 5