Cervical Cancer: 3 Things You Need To Know

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas. What’s worrisome is that two in three Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years.

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. This is caused by persistent infection with the cancer causing human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV on Women 

We can be infected with HPV. In fact, it was estimated that 80% of women will be infected with it in some of our lives. Most of this infections may come and go but if the immune system is weak,the HPV infections may persist and may eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer.

HPV Transmission

• sexual intercourse
• skin-to-skin genital contact

Cervical Cancer symptoms

Cervical cancer has no signs and symptoms in its early stages. It the event that symptoms will occur, the following may be expected:

• irregular bleeding between periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
• back, leg, or pelvic pain
• fatigue
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• vaginal discomfort or odorous discharge
• a single swollen leg.

Who is at risk of Cervical Cancer? 

Women who:

• are ages 15- 19 years old
• had first sexual intercourse at a young age
• have given birth for multiple times
• have or have had sexually transmitted diseases
• have HIV or whose immune system is weakened
• a smoker
• long-term use of oral contraceptives for 5 years or more
• those who rarely or have not yet had any pap smear.

Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer

The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old.

It is recommended that starting age 21, women should undergo screening to detect cervical abnormalities that precede actual cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination, according to studies, is still beneficial for older women to prevent HPV infections. The risk risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old.

Power Over Cervical Cancer

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, furthers its advocacy to increase cervical cancer awareness efforts with the Power Over Cervical Cancer “You Can & You Will” campaign.

It aims to encourage Filipinas to realize that they have the power to protect themselves and their dreams—simply by consulting their doctors and asking about ways to prevent cervical cancer.

“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Getting cancer may be a distant concept for women who are well and at their prime, but they should be aware that even the healthiest can be at risk,” says, Dr. Leah Manio, GSK Medical Affairs Manager.
In the Philippines, it is estimated that the financial cost of preventing cervical cancer through screening and vaccination could be 20 times more affordable than the cost of treatment,” she adds.

“The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands, and NOW is the best time to consult with your physician and have yourself screened,” Dr. Manio stated.

GSK remains true to its commitment of increasing access to preventive healthcare through its initiatives to improve access to information through its disease awareness efforts.

To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Power Over Cervical Cancer Page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/POCCPh) and the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube (www.youtube.com/ProteksyonPortal) containing information and short films conveying how protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases is one important step in the achievement of one’s dreams.