Free cervical screening in Cebu City draws 809 women
Doctors examine women who availed of the free cervical screening at the Cebu City Central School.
(CDN Photo/Junjie Mendoza)
At least 809 women availed of free cervical screening at the Cebu City Central School yesterday morning, breaking the record set in Mumbai, India in 2012.
The new record has yet to be verified by the Guinness Book of World Records, which sent its representatives to witness the mass screening in Cebu City.
The Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society (POGS) organized the event to encourage women aged 21 years old and above to have themselves checked.
“Women should no longer be dying of cervical cancer. We want women to know that cervical cancer is preventable through vaccination and early screening,” POGS president Dr. Ditas Decena said.
At least 809 women trooped to the Cebu City Central School yesterday to undergo cervical screening within four hours after Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama opened the activity at 8 a.m.
No symptoms
The screening was done through visual examination with the use of acetic acid which is commonly known as vinegar.
Dr. Charisse Tan, director of POGS, said cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is preventable if women take steps to protect themselves.
“Your health is always your responsibility. If you want to be around for your family, you need to take good care of your health,” she said.
Dr. Belinda Pañares, chairman of the Department of OB-Gyne of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, said patients who turn to them for treatment usually have an advanced state of cervical cancer already.
Overnight
“We really aspire for a cancer-free Cebu and Philippines. We may not achieve this in our lifetime but hopefully our children will benefit from this in the future,” she said.
Dr. Virginia Abalos, chapter president of POGS, said HPV is usually transmitted during sexual intercourse.
“This disease doesn’t develop overnight. The virus multiplies for maybe 15 years so it’s really a tragedy if it won’t be detected at an early stage,” she said.
A vaccine for women would cost P3,000 to P5,000.
“We’re using the visual inspection with acetic acid method. This method is used in communities where a pap smear is difficult to access,” said Dr. Marivic Tan.
Screening
POGS coordinated with the Department of Health and the Cebu city for yesterday’s mass screening.
In 2012, Fortis Hospital in Mumbai screened over 751 women for eight hours.
According to POGS, about 6,000 Filipinas are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and more than half will die in five years.
The key to prevention is regular cervical cancer screening./With Xavier University Intern Pearl Therese S. Aton
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