The latest GLOBOCAN data has shown that at least 12 Filipino women die from cervical cancer daily. Despite being preventable, the condition remains a significant health challenge in the Philippines.
However, there is hope. Survivors, advocates, medical professionals, and the national government are all actively playing their roles to combat the disease by promoting education, early detection, and access to life-saving vaccines and treatments.
Cervical cancer awareness: One of the leading cancers in the country
Cervical cancer occurs mainly in the cells of the cervix, the part of the body located in the lowest region of the uterus. It is typically caused by infections from the human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of 200 related viruses transmitted by close skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections are combatted by the body’s immune system and go away on their own, but sometimes lead to changes in the cervix cells that may develop into cancer.
Symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious at first. Only as the condition progresses can signs start to present themselves. Vaginal bleeding is a key symptom to look out for, particularly in between periods, after menopause, or after intercourse. A menstrual cycle that’s heavier and longer than usual is also a cause for concern, as is pain during intercourse or having watery or bloody discharge with a foul smell.
Like any disease, the prognosis for cervical cancer depends on its severity when discovered. Early stages are highly treatable with surgery or chemotherapy, but more severe cases may not be fully curable – only with the possibility of remission after advanced treatment plans.
In the Philippines, the disease ranks as the second most frequent cancer contracted by women between the ages of 15 and 44. The Department of Health (DOH) says that 7,900 women are diagnosed with the disease every year, with over 4,000 succumbing to the condition – marking a mortality rate of 51%.
Numbers like this pose a pressing health concern for women in the Philippines. Especially given the lack of adequate access to both information and healthcare access in many parts of the country, there becomes a large group of Filipinas who do not receive the cervical cancer prevention or treatments that they need.
The best course of action is to stop cervical cancer at its source. Regular screenings can help catch the disease early, and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infections will prevent the condition in the first place.
Working together to address and eliminate cervical cancer
Collaboration is key to raising awareness for cervical cancer, helping current and potential patients journey through the disease, and ultimately helping manage its prevalence in the country. At MSD, we keep these priorities at the heart of what we do. We hold events to foster honest conversations about the disease, engage in partnerships that implement cancer control or education programs, and encourage vaccinations as a necessary step in fighting HPV.
Recently, we kickstarted another dialogue on the disease with the latest installment of our “’Di Mo DeCERV” events. Focusing this time on empowering women to fight against cervical cancer, the event spotlighted real stories from survivors, advocates, and experts to help shed light on the realities of this disease.
“Getting informed is a priority. If you’re feeling anything, be brave and go to the doctor.” This was the advice of Cheska and Kendra Kramer, advocates of the cause who also championed open conversations with family and trusted peers. The same sentiments were echoed by fellow advocate and beauty queen Bea McLelland, who dedicates a part of her platform to talking about HPV vaccination and cancer prevention among women.
Meanwhile, first-hand experiences of dealing with the disease spotlighted both the proactive approach needed to take charge of one’s health, alongside the role of openness and the presence of a strong support system. “[My family and friends] always made sure that someone was with me in every session, like radiation, chemotherapy, they’re always there,” shared cervical cancer survivor Belay Fernando.
In terms of literacy about the disease, multiple experts also spoke out. OB-GYN Dr. Stephanie Veneration, pharmacist Liza Sta. Maria, and columnist Jane Cheng discussed the roles that each of their professions play in promoting education and awareness. Healthcare professionals are of course the authorities, providing dependable insight into cervical cancer and its prevention methods. Pharmacists also play an integral role. Sta. Maria particularly highlighted how pharmacies increase accessibility with their own HPV vaccinations. In the Philippines, vaccines against diseases like HPV can now be administered by the pharmacists themselves.
Mass media also bears a part of the responsibility of bringing further education to those without direct lines to healthcare professionals or resources. Even individuals outside of the media and healthcare have their own roles to play. Be it financial advisors giving insight on proper planning for health emergencies, content creators including health education to their regular uploads, or fitness enthusiasts advocating for holistic health, talking about cervical cancer is a community effort that is best achieved with collaboration and openness.
All these supplement the larger efforts that both public and private entities are conducting to manage the disease’s presence in the Philippines. Vaccination programs across the country, free cervical cancer screening for rural areas, treatment deployments to nationwide provinces, and funds to aid cancer patients or survivors are among the country’s on-ground initiatives to battle cervical cancer.
A comprehensive approach like this is our strongest weapon against a prevailing disease that affects so many Filipinas. The road may be long, but collaborating to traverse it will allow us to protect women’s health and provide them with the support that they need.
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