In this time and age, society has begun learning to love the skins they live in and respect others’ decisions on how they want to live their lives. When it comes to using beauty products, the public has embraced the benefits of makeup and similar products in boosting their confidence and enhancing their natural beauty. After all, there’s nothing wrong with looking one’s best.
According to the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, cancer is now the third leading cause of death nationwide. Some of the most common cancers among Filipinos are lung, breast, colon, rectum, and prostate.
People don’t talk about cervical cancer and support the disease as much as other women’s cancers, such as breast cancer. This cancer, caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), is still the second most common cancer afflicting women in the country and worldwide. As of 2020, nearly 8,000 Filipino women were diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Although it is one of the most preventable cancers, the Philippines still has the lowest rate of HPV vaccination, early preventive screenings, and diagnosis worldwide.
To raise awareness for cervical cancer in the country, healthcare company MSD Philippines held the “Women Bloom in SolidariTeal” event at Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros, Manila, last Friday, June 9, 2023.
Women of Strength
Women from different organizations, cervical cancer survivors, and advocates came together towards the elimination of cervical cancer in the country, where Niña Corpuz, a broadcast journalist and SolidariTeal advocate, hosted an interactive talk show.
In the first part, Dr. Efren Domingo, President of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) gave some facts regarding cervical cancer and situations in the Philippines.
Then, they featured cancer survivors Isabella Fernando-Dela Cruz and Eden Guzman-Lucero to talk about life after their diagnosis.
Afterward, a panel discussion was held on cancer-free the next day. Among the panelists are Dr. Cecilia Llave, Chairman of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP); Ms. Donna Miranda, Awareness and Demand Generation Officer for Jhpiego Philippines; and Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera, founder of CerviQ, a social enterprise.
For the final segment of the interactive talk show, they discussed what communities are doing to prevent and eliminate cervical cancer. The panelists are composed of Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla of Banna, Ilocos Norte; Ms. Karen Villanueva, President of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), and Dr. Elmer Bondoc, Vice President for Programs and Development of Philippine Nurses Association, Inc.
After the talk show, 11 cervical cancer survivors walked on the runway to show that women can outlive and beat cancer with appropriate healthcare systems and interventions. 11 is significant because it represents the number of women dying from this dangerous disease.
Beatriz McLelland, Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2022 and staunch cervical cancer awareness advocate, led the signing of the petition to end cervical cancer.
Teal all over the country
During the event, selected landmarks and hospitals nationwide participated in the lighting ceremony and bled teal to support eliminating cervical cancer.
Some of Manila’s known landmarks, such as the Rizal Monument, Manila Clock Tower, Kartilya ng Katipunan, and Rajah Sulayman Park, are lit in teal. The Quezon Memorial Circle also participated in light of the Quezon City government.
Aside from the lighting teal all over the country, there was also an art gallery catering to artworks from 12 local female artists, and a photo exhibit displayed images from seven female photographers who supported cervical cancer advocacy.
Teal is the color for cervical cancer awareness and advocacy. In color psychology, teal regulates and heals emotions, creating emotional balance and stability. As such, wearing a teal ribbon symbolizes healing over the disease beyond signaling cervical cancer advocacy.
In the end, MSD Philippines calls out to everyone to encourage their wife, mother, daughter, sister, or friend to get vaccinated, screened, and diagnosed early for cervical cancer.
Truly, prevention is still better than cure.