The month of May has been declared as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, to spread the word and improve understanding on this illness.

Cervical Cancer is the second most common form of Cancer among women in the Philippines.

In 2020, an estimated 604, 000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 342, 000 women died from the disease. High incidence rates and high mortality rates of cervical cancer occur mainly (~90% for both) in low- and middle-income countries.

The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common family of viruses that are transmitted through sexual contact.

All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer.

This means that cervical cancer should be one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life. #NOII-TMDC