May is cervical Cancer Month and I got a chance to attend a talk by Doctor Riyal and former Binibining Pilipinas – Universe Abbygale Arenas-de Leon last Tuesday at the Davao Doctor's Hospital about Cervical Cancer. The talk was part of the WOMEN FIRST & BRAVEHEARTS CARAVAN. Ms. Abbygale is the president of the Bravehearts Philippines, a Non Profit Organization dedicated to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention through education, screening and vaccination.
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| Ahmmmwe looked like Hobbits...My Abbygale was soo tall! Photo Courtesy of Vanessa (www.myteenagekidandme.com) |
While listening to the talk I remembered our MBA Professor Ms. Christine Rizardo-Omar. She was one of my favorite professor because I learned a lot from her and had fun in her classes. She was so hilarious and had so many things to share with us. When I was her student she was already battling Cancer but I really thought she would overcome the disease because despite hair loss and being physically weak, she was bursting with life. Even though she was undergoing therapy she would still come to our classes once she's well enough. After I stopped MBA I learned that she succumbed to Cervical Cancer last December 2009. I've heard about Cervical Cancer before but that was the time I knew of somebody who died because of it.
Cervical Cancer is the second most common female cancer worldwide, with over half a million new cases and 250,000 deaths reported each year. In the Philippines, everyday 12 Filipinas dies of Cervical Cancer. This means a Filipina dies of it every 2 hours.
Cervical cancer at its early stages does not have any signs or symptoms. It is an uncommon type of cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina.Therefore, all women are at risk.
But there's one good thing about Cervical Cancer....IT IS THE FIRST CANCER THAT HAS A VACCINE! Meaning if you get immunized you will be protected from it. When I learned that our company is offering a discounted fee for this vaccine, I did not hesitate and immediately got myself vaccinated last 2011. It is a bit costly though at P2000 per dose and you need three doses but it is such a small price to pay for securing your health. I want to be healthy and live a full life because I have a son and family to look after. That is why I really want to encourage my friends and everybody else who gets to read this to be vaccinated. Ask your OB Gyne about it.
