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Cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix, is the second leading cause of death among Filipino women. In 2005, at least 10 Filipino women died from cervical cancer which is caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. (2005 Facts and Estimates by the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc.) HPV is a common virus that affects men and women and some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could turn into cancer.

The World Health Organization estimates 630 million people have HPV and there are up to 40 million cases of abnormal cervical cells and pre-cancers, which are conditions that may lead to cervical cancer.

Today, there are ways on how to prevent cervical cancer. A cervical cancer screening can save your life. Ask your doctor today for more information.

DOH Launches Cervical Cancer Prevention Month

The Department of Health (DOH), with support from the Cancer Institute Foundation, Inc. (CIF), the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network Program (CECAP), and Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) Philippines, launches May as Cervical Cancer Prevention Month with BABAE, MAHALAGA KA as the theme of this year’s celebration. Each year, there are about 400,000 new cases of cervical cancer - 80% of which occur in developing countries. Worldwide, every two minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer. In the Philippines, according to the 2005 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates, 7,277 new cases and 3,807 deaths due to cervical cancer were estimated to have occurred. This meant that there were approximately 10 Filipino women dying each day due to cervical cancer. This is mainly due to late detection and lack of awareness of the disease among Filipino women. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, the first being breast cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is transmitted sexually. HPV is a type of virus that lives in the skin or mucous membranes which usually causes no symptoms and the invasive cancer may not develop for as long as 10 or 20 years after infection. About 8 out of 10 women can get infected with HPV in their lifetime.

Every woman could be at risk for cervical cancer but those who could be at high risk are those who had sex after their first menstruation, has or had multiple sexual partners, has or had exposure to sexually transmitted infection, has or had five children or more, is a previous or current smoker, and has poor immunity and resistance to the disease.

Source: Department of Health (DOH)