Cebu is taking significant steps to raise awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. The entire island has launched a massive campaign to educate the public about cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV) in Lapu-Lapu City during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
Under the theme “Babae, mahalaga ka!”, one of the major events of the campaign was a cervical cancer awareness lecture attended by healthcare professionals and members of the Lapu-Lapu City’s Parent-Teacher Association at Barangay Basak.
Dr. Pherdes Galbo, a gynecological oncologist, announced that last May 18, free HPV vaccinations were provided to children aged nine to 14 years old at Barangay Basak Gym. And, on May 26, a free cervical cancer screening took place at the city’s Hoopsdome.
Dr. Carmina Alferez emphasized the importance of cancer prevention, sharing her personal experience with cancer in her family. She highlighted the significance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer, noting that it is one of the few cancers that can be prevented.
Dr. Alferez encouraged the audience to take proactive steps in cancer prevention, stating, “If there is a vaccine that can save my sister, mother, and father, I have already done it.” She emphasized the importance of taking action to reduce the risk of cancer and protect their loved ones.
She acknowledged the challenges of persuading the public to get vaccinated, as many remain unaware of the benefits and some lack access to vaccines. The HPV vaccines are provided free of charge to children, both male and female, between the ages of nine and 14. They receive two doses, spaced six months to a year apart, at no cost.
Older children over the age of 15 can still receive the vaccine for a fee, but they require three doses with a two-month gap after the first dose and a six-month interval before the final dose.
HPV is a common virus, particularly among individuals who are sexually active and have multiple partners. While 30 to 80 percent of people may contract the virus, not all cases lead to cancer. In the Philippines, 12 women lose their lives daily due to cervical cancer caused by HPV.
To prevent HPV infection, Dr. Alferez recommended strengthening the immune system through a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and undergoing routine medical check-ups for pap smears, visual inspections using acetic acid, or HPV DNA tests.
Vaccination against HPV is also crucial, as the vaccines have undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing by global health experts to ensure their suitability for public use, she said.
Dr. Galbo emphasized the importance of vaccination and screening for all individuals to prevent cervical cancer as he announced that a vaccination campaign was in Lapu-Lapu on May 18, offering free vaccinations, and a free screening event last May 26 in Hoopdome for the entire Cebu province.
Dr. Alferez added that it is important for children to receive the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active, as evidenced by the country’s youngest teen pregnancy at just 10 years old. The only reported side effects of the HPV vaccine are minor inflammation, fever, and dizziness.
She added that the HPV vaccine is not only beneficial for females but also for males to protect against HPV-related diseases, including various cancers.
Under the theme “Babae, mahalaga ka!”, one of the major events of the campaign was a cervical cancer awareness lecture attended by healthcare professionals and members of the Lapu-Lapu City’s Parent-Teacher Association at Barangay Basak.
Dr. Pherdes Galbo, a gynecological oncologist, announced that last May 18, free HPV vaccinations were provided to children aged nine to 14 years old at Barangay Basak Gym. And, on May 26, a free cervical cancer screening took place at the city’s Hoopsdome.
Dr. Carmina Alferez emphasized the importance of cancer prevention, sharing her personal experience with cancer in her family. She highlighted the significance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer, noting that it is one of the few cancers that can be prevented.
Dr. Alferez encouraged the audience to take proactive steps in cancer prevention, stating, “If there is a vaccine that can save my sister, mother, and father, I have already done it.” She emphasized the importance of taking action to reduce the risk of cancer and protect their loved ones.
She acknowledged the challenges of persuading the public to get vaccinated, as many remain unaware of the benefits and some lack access to vaccines. The HPV vaccines are provided free of charge to children, both male and female, between the ages of nine and 14. They receive two doses, spaced six months to a year apart, at no cost.
Older children over the age of 15 can still receive the vaccine for a fee, but they require three doses with a two-month gap after the first dose and a six-month interval before the final dose.
HPV is a common virus, particularly among individuals who are sexually active and have multiple partners. While 30 to 80 percent of people may contract the virus, not all cases lead to cancer. In the Philippines, 12 women lose their lives daily due to cervical cancer caused by HPV.
To prevent HPV infection, Dr. Alferez recommended strengthening the immune system through a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and undergoing routine medical check-ups for pap smears, visual inspections using acetic acid, or HPV DNA tests.
Vaccination against HPV is also crucial, as the vaccines have undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing by global health experts to ensure their suitability for public use, she said.
Dr. Galbo emphasized the importance of vaccination and screening for all individuals to prevent cervical cancer as he announced that a vaccination campaign was in Lapu-Lapu on May 18, offering free vaccinations, and a free screening event last May 26 in Hoopdome for the entire Cebu province.
Dr. Alferez added that it is important for children to receive the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active, as evidenced by the country’s youngest teen pregnancy at just 10 years old. The only reported side effects of the HPV vaccine are minor inflammation, fever, and dizziness.
She added that the HPV vaccine is not only beneficial for females but also for males to protect against HPV-related diseases, including various cancers.