Cervical cancer survivors and supporters gathered during the “Women Bloom SolidariTeal” at Baluarte de San Diego Garden, Intramuros, Manila on Friday, June 9.
The “Women Bloom in SolidariTeal” is an event of health organizations Hope From Within and Guards Against HPV (human papillomavirus), hosted by healthcare company Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD) Philippines.
Cancer survivors and their loved ones, medical experts, and health champions who are committed to creating a future free from cervical cancer gathered during the occasion.
During the event, health experts said cervical cancer is a preventable and highly treatable disease. It is the second most frequent form of cancer among women in the Philippines, with almost 8,000 Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2020.
President of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) Dr. Efren Domingo graced the event to educate the people about cervical cancer.
“Ito ay tumor malignant na tumutubo sa cervix. Ito ang pinaka-leading and common cancer sa kababaihan (It is a malignant tumor that grows in the cervix. It is the most leading and common cancer in women),” Domingo said.
“Consult your gynecologist when they reach 20 years old when they feel they’re already an adult,” he advised.
Cervical cancer survivors Belay Fernando and Eden Lucero shared how the disease affected their lives.
The World Health Organization’s “90-70-90 target” campaign toward a cervical cancer-free future was discussed by the chair of Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP), Dr. Cecilia Llave.
According to Llave, the 90-70-90 campaign stands for 90 percent of children and adolescents ages 15 and above will be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine, while 70 percent of women between the age of 35 and 45 will be screened using a high-performance test, and the other 90 for women who were diagnosed with pre-malignant lesions or invasive that will be treated either by surgery, chemoradiation, or even palliation.
“It is very possible to eliminate cervical cancer,” Llave added.
The event sought to invite everyone to take part in promoting a safer and healthier future and in battling cervical cancer among Filipinas