THE Department of Health (DOH)–Ilocos Region, in collaboration with the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) OB-Gynecology Department, launched a social mobilization project and mass screening for cervical cancer for the residents of La Union at the La Union Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in San Fernando City.

More than 150 women, aged 30-49, were screened for cervical cancer and provided Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to 120 girls aged 9-14.

Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment through screening can help prevent the onset of cervical cancer.

“Upang makaiwas at mabawasan ang pagkakaroon ng cervical cancer makabubuting magpatingin upang malaman at mapigilan ito.

Cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers and preventable because we have available vaccines for this disease,” she said.

Syndiongco emphasized that the regional office will be implementing the 90-70-90 guiding treatment for the elimination of cervical cancer.

“This means 90% of pre-puberty girls ages 9-15-years- old must be given HPV vaccine; 70% of women ages 30 to 65 must be screened through visual inspection using acetic acid, pap smear or HPV DNA tests; and 90% of women identified with cervical cancer will be given treatment.”

According to the 2023 data from the HPV Information Centre, 39.6 million women aged 15 and above are in danger of developing cervical cancer in the country.

It also estimated about 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,052 die from the disease annually.

Aside from the cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination, clinical breast examination, risk assessment screening on diabetes mellitus, hypertension and HIV/AIDS testing will also be provided including oral health with tooth extraction, cleaning and check-up.

The social mobilization project and mass screening for cervical cancer activity will also be conducted in Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Arlene Rivera