Did you know that according to Department of Health (DOH), cervical cancer is the second leading cancer site among women in the Philippines?
The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA Region joins the nation as we commemorate the month of May as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month by the virtue of Proclamation No. 368, s. 2003, signed on 30 April 2003.
The cervix is a component of female reproductive system located at the bottom, slender tip of the uterus forming canal between the uterus and vagina. Typically, all women engaged with sexual intercourse have possibility of acquiring the disease. But, who are mostly likely to be at risk?
- Individuals with the following:
- multiple sexual partners,
- sexual partners that had or have several sexual partners
- sexual partner infected with human papilloma virus (HPV)
- Involved to sexual intercourse at a very young age
- Exposed to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- Took birth control pills for five or more years
- Gave birth to three or more children
Cervical cancer does not manifest any significant signs and symptoms; however, if you experience unusual bleeding from the vagina or any unpleasant vaginal discharge, this may be an indicator of advanced cervical cancer. As cancer survivors advised, listen well to your body!
Ladies, protect yourselves through the following five preventive measures:
- Be vaccinated with HPV; an additional armor against cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers
- Undergo screening tests - pap smear and HPV test
- Observe a one-partner sexual relationship; limit number of sexual partners
- Use condoms as barrier during sexual intercourse
- Terminate the habit of smoking
Through massive dissemination of cervical cancer preventive measures and awareness on early detection, we can set the seal to alleviate the rate of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Philippines! Together, all our actions matter.
(NKSLoyola)
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Basic Information About Cervical Cancer. Accessed from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm
Department of Health (n.d.) Uterine Cervix Cancer. Accessed from https://doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Uterine-Cervix-Cancer
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.) NCI Dictionaries: Cervix. Accessed from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cervix
Official Gazette. (2003). Proclamation No. 368, s. 2003. Accessed from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2003/04/30/proclamation-no-368-s-2003/
