CERVICAL cancer is claimed to be the second most affecting cancer worldwide today, according to Cecilia Ladines Llave, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Cancer Institute, UP-PGH and director of Cervical Cancer Prevention Network Program (CECAP). Dr. Llave reveals that 500,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly and half of these are in Asia; 50% of these cases will die over the year and 80% of deaths occur in Asia.

A presscon recently launched the “Babae, mahalaga ka! Makiisa ka sa laban. Magpa-cervical cancer screening ka” campaign. A memorandum of agreement was signed. This project aims to bring to Filipino women’s awareness that cervical cancer, though deadly and highly transmittable, can be prevented. And at an early stage, it can be treated, says Dr. Llave.

This disease affects women only and develops in the cervix. It is caused by a persistent and chronic infection caused by H.PV. or the human papilloma virus. The cancer is sexually transmitted by penetration or skin contact through open wounds. It was found that fomites are also a means of transmitting the virus. Furthermore, the carrier of this virus are men, according to Dr.Llave.

The CECAP director warned that it takes 10 to 30 years before this cancer can develop from persistent HPV infection, hence there is a big chance for doctors to detect the disease long before it becomes cancerous. And when diagnosed in its predevelopment stage, progression is stopped and survival rate is 100%.

Risk factors

Multiple sexual partners, sex contact at a young stage, high number of vaginal deliveries, long-term use of oral contraceptives, smoking, infection from STD and immuno-compromised state are the risk factors of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer at an early stage does not show signs or symptoms, so it is hard to tell if anyone has it, explains Dr. Llave. But as the cancer advances, vaginal bleeding after intercourse or after menopause or between periods; watery, bloody discharges that may be heavy or foul smelling; pelvic pain or pain during intercourse; and urinary or bowel disorders are noted. Screening as early as three years following the first sexual contact of a woman is very important, Dr. Llave emphasizes.

Prof. Josefina de la Cruz, cervical cancer survivor, shared a “moving” account of her ordeal. “It was very devastating to see Nanay suffer the pain and miserable condition. Nobody but I, could bear to be with her because I was the eldest. It was only I who had the courage, I was only 12 then, De la Cruz recounted.

“At that time, women didn’t have much of the dread this cancer could bring because they were either ignorant or ashamed to let people know that the victim had it, because of the stigma attached,” the professor lamented. “Little did I know that the cancer also afflicted me some years after I married.”

“When Dr. Llave explained to me everything about cervical cancer, and when my mother’s ordeal flashed back to me, I felt so devastated, afraid and anguished at first. I told myself, I am going to die in a miserable and painful way like my mother and worse is, my daughters may also suffer the same fate,” she added.

“But then, Dr. Llave assured me that I am luckier than my mother because I was screened and treated early. Moreover, my daughters can be immunized with the vaccine Gardasil that will protect women from the disease,” De la Cruz continued. Now, Prof. de la Cruz has survived to “serve a mission, a purpose.” To inspire other women to come out and overcome the fear and shame. And be brave not only for themselves but also for others.

“I believe that we are important, we should rise and fight and win the battle!”