The Davao City Health Office on Thursday urged Dabawenyos to get screened or vaccinated against cervical cancer.
During the I-Speak Media Forum on Thursday Dr. Sharlene Tan, CHO District Health Physician, said vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer is still the best way to prevent the disease.
The CHO said it continues to offer screening services and early protection for adult women against HPV and free HPV vaccinations for female children aged 9-14 years old for added layer of protection against HPV.
“Two doses ang kinahanglan so six months ang interval sa vaccine. Ang HPV vaccine pwede gihapon madawat sa 15 years old up to 45 years old but for now, sa City Health Office, 9-14 ang atoang
priority (They will need two doses and the interval of the vaccine is six months. The HPV vaccine can still be administered to 15 to 45 year olds but for now, at the City Health office, those who are 9-14 year olds are our priority),” she said.
For women 15 years old and above, they need three doses of HPV vaccine.
She added that cervical cancer should be taken seriously as it is among the top three common cancers affecting women based on data from the World Health Organization. Usually, the victims are asymptomatic, which is why screening is necessary.
The health centers offer free Visual Inspection with Ascetic Acid (VIA) screening for adult women.
Dr. Mary Lee Lim, from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society of Southern Mindanao Chapter during the I-Speak Media Forum, also advised sexually active women to undergo papsmear once a year for detection of signs and symptoms of cervical cancer so that treatment can still be done.
Tan said that to strengthen advocacy on early prevention and detection, the CHO continues to infuse cervical cancer awareness, protection, and prevention activities such as Buntis Congress. They also conduct information drives before school-based immunization activities. CIO.