Cervical cancer, still a top killer of Filipino women—Healthway

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, while the number of cervical-cancer cases 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 (HPV). The HPV 16 and 18 strains 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 easily detectable through a pap smear test. It’s a simple procedure that tests the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, the 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 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 a pap smear test.

“As our mission of making men and women aware of the importance of making healthy living part of (their) everyday lifestyle, we encourage women to take the pap smear test every year or every two years. Healthway Medical offers this test in all our clinics in Metro Manila,” de Leon said.

She added 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 who are 22 years old and older should take a pap smear test every year or once every three years, particularly when the results are negative for three consecutive years. This ensures that the cancer is detected early, while it is still treatable.

In another study, by the ICO Information Center on HPV and Cancer, 30.3 million women in the Philippines who are 15 years old and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer. It is the second-most frequently occurring cancer among women in the Philippines and is the second-most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years old.

“It is also important to get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus while early, even if you are not at risk,” de Leon said.

For more details, call (632) 751-4929 or visit www.healthway.com.ph.