As part of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Department of Health, in partnership with the City Health Office and several civil society organizations, will be conducting a cervical cancer screening activity at the Davao City Recreational Center on May 9.
“So ang among i-conduct na activity is the visual inspection using acetic acid (VIA). It is an alternative of the Pap smear,” said Dr. Julinda Acosta, Chief of the CHO-Technical Division, during the I-Speak Media Forum on Thursday.
“We are urging women aged 30 years old to 65 years old na magpa-VIA na po tayo kasi libre ito at saka magandang tool ito. It is very simple, hindi ito masakit,” she added.
The activity on May 9 will not only offer free cervical cancer screening but also screening tests for HIV. HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines will also be given out during the event.
Acosta said HPV and sexually transmitted infections are some of the main causes of cervical cancer.
Girls aged 9 to 14 years old are urged to avail themselves of the HPV vaccine. According to Acosta, women who are not yet sexually active are the most ideal recipient of the HPV vaccine as this will help protect them from contracting the virus.
Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women in the Philippines.
In 2023, a total of 88 women died due to cervical cancer in Davao City. For the first quarter of this year alone, a total of 13 women have succumbed to the disease.
The Cervical Cancer Awareness Month activity will start at 7 a.m. and will end at 3 p.m. CIO
