CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — With the support and dedication of the Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) specialists in the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), the Department of Health Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) opens its doors and calls for more women aged 30-65 to present themselves to be screened for cervical cancer.
Dr. Vaniza Bagolbol, medical officer of the Department of Health Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) in Talakayan sa PIA: Konsultayo with DOH-CHDNM, shared that cervical cancer is a very preventable and treatable type of cancer.
Furthermore, cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. “Actually, it is the second most common cause of cancer among women, and it is also very alarming based on the statistics. Daily, there are around 15 deaths, and of around 100,000 women, 15 are diagnosed with cervical cancer. That is very alarming,” the doctor said.
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is one of the sexually transmitted diseases that is acquired through sexual activities or skin-to-skin contact. Other risk factors include immunocompromised individuals and those with vices, particularly smoking, which can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
“Ma-detect gyud ni siya (it can be detected) through early detection; naa tay mga (we have) excellent tools to detect this cervical cancer. We have this screening, this is the early detection, and we also have vaccines na mahatag nato sa mga kabantan-onan ages 9–14 years old (that we can give to young people aged 9–14),” Bagolgbol said.
All women aged 30-65 are eligible to undergo a cervical cancer screening. They can go to the nearest rural health units (RHU) or health centers to receive screenings and vaccinations. “So, it is very preventable with early detection or screening,” Dr. Bagolbol said.
This year, until July, the DOH-CHDNM has intensified cervical cancer screening for women. “Every week, naga-report ang mga different LGUs kung kinsa ang mga nascreen nga mga babae (every week the local government units are reporting the women they have screened),” the doctor said.
According to the most recent report, Region 10 screened about 2,363 women, found 112 positive, and referred them for treatment. (JMOR/PIA-10)
