SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA)—The Department of Health-Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD-1) emphasized a strategy that would help prevent cervical cancer.
In a recent interview on the PIA Ilocos Region’s Kapihan sa Ilocos program, Dr. Richard Ronald Castro, a gynecologic oncologist from the Ilocos Training and Medical Center (ITRMC), said must observe ABCDV – an acronym for abstinence, being faithful to one partner, condom use, doctor consultation, and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV).
Cervical cancer develops from a persistent infection with HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection.
In a recent interview on the PIA Ilocos Region’s Kapihan sa Ilocos program, Dr. Richard Ronald Castro, a gynecologic oncologist from the Ilocos Training and Medical Center (ITRMC), emphasized the importance of having a good immune system alongside the ABCDV strategy in preventing this type of cancer.
“Kapag nakipag-contact ang isang babae sa kaniyang partner na may HPV, may 50 to 80 percent ang chance na ma-infect ng HPV, pero importante rin na sasabihin ko na hindi lahat ng infected ng HPV ay magka-cervical cancer. Mayroong kakayahan ang isang babae na labanan ang infection, kailangan maganda ang resistensya natin o immune system,” Dr. Castro explained.
(There’s a 50 to 80 percent chance a woman can acquire HPV when having contact with her partner. However, it’s important to note that not everyone infected with HPV develops cervical cancer. A woman’s body has the ability to fight off the infection, which is why a strong immune system is crucial.)
While HPV infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, staying faithful to one partner can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to HPV.
“Sino ‘yong mga babaeng pwedeng kapitan ng HPV? ‘Yan ‘yong mga babaeng maraming partner, o kaya may partner sila na maraming partner. Hindi lang kasalanan ng babae or may pwede rin ‘yong mga babaeng maraming anak, or pwede rin ‘yong maagang nakikipagtalik,” Dr. Castro expounded.
(Women who are sexually active can contract HPV, regardless of gender. This includes women with multiple partners, partners with multiple partners, or those who have had their first sexual experience early.)
The DOH offers free HPV vaccinations to girls aged nine to 14 to help prevent cervical cancer caused by the virus.
HPV itself usually has no symptoms.
This is why regular pap smears are crucial for the early detection of abnormal cell changes caused by HPV that cause this cancer.
Dr. Castro also explained that the DOH is one with the World Health Organization (WHO) as it aims to achieve the 90-70-90 target.
“Ninety percent dapat ng mga kababaihan na nine to 15 years old dapat mabakunahan; 70 percent ng lahat ng mga babae sa buong mundo dapat nakapag pa-pap smear o nagkakaroon ng cervical cancer screening; at 90 percent lahat ng may cervical cancer ay dapat nakatanggap ng tamang paggamot,” Dr. Castro said.
(Ninety percent of women nine to 15 years old should be vaccinated; 70 percent of all women around the world should be able to have a pap smear or cervical cancer screening; and 90 percent of all cervical cancer patients should receive proper treatment.) (JCR/AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)
