Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer afflicting women in the Philippines; second only to breast cancer. Worldwide, about 500,000 new cases and 250,000 deaths are reported each year. Over 80% of these occur in developing countries including the Philippines. But the good news is that the disease is treatable if diagnosed early.
In light of this, Bravehearts intends to promote public awareness on cervical cancer prevention through the Single Visit Approach (SVA), Cryotherapy and Vaccination. Bravehearts is a multi-sectoral coalition led by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) and the Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF).
SVA
This combines both screening and treatment in a single session. It uses an effective, low-resource screening method called the Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA), a simple technique that uses vinegar to detect precancerous lesions on the cervix and requires much less equipment and time investment than a PAP smear.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a process where the areas with lesions are frozen using a common liquid coolant like carbon dioxide to eliminate the abnormality and prevent possible progression to cancer.
Vaccination
Cervical cancer vaccines provides significant protection for women against the two most common cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) types - HPV types 16 and 18. For example, GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Cervarix can protect for nearly six and a half years, the longest duration of protection reported to date. Also,it does not demonstrate, at the moment, the need for a booster shot even after 6 years of vaccination.
Recently, Dra. Rebecca Singson, OB at Makati Medical Center and Asian Hospital, gave a brief seminar about cervical cancer prevention in Makati. Below is the video:
A target shooting activity followed later in the afternoon with the theme "Shoot Cervical Cancer Away".
Being International Women's Day today, it is timely to empower our women by making them aware of these facts and remind them that they can be vaccinated to prevent it. Check more details at XOutCervicalCancer
Recently, some beauty queens and celebrities attended the Bravehearts’ graduation ceremony to receive the third and final dose of the new cervical cancer vaccine.
From left to right, the happy graduates are: Mymy Davao, Janine Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon, Gretchen Malalad, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Miriam Quiambao, Daisy Reyes, Gem Padilla and Abbygale Arenas.
Beauty Queen Abby Arenas getting her shot.
Tessa Prieto Valdes gets herself protected.The Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF)
CIF is a non-stock, non-profit organization based in Manila, Philippines , founded in 2001, which supports the Cancer Institute (CI) of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and its accredited cancer management network institutions with clinical, research, advocacy and financial assistance for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
This commitment springs from the Foundation’s view that the promotion of health and welfare is a responsibility not of just one but all: that the government, individuals or groups, given a vehicle like the foundation, they will generously share their time, efforts and resources with their fellowmen who are ill but have little means to get well.
The Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP)
CECAP is an alliance of organizations from the private and public sector under the CIF, including health professionals and other concerned non-government agencies that are committed in eliminating cervical cancer among Filipino women.
Posts
