Department of Health Regional Office VII joins 2018 Cervical
In line with the month-long observance in promoting cervical cancer awareness, prevention and control, the Department of Health Regional Office VII joined this year cervical cancer awareness walk dubbed as “Lantern Walk” at SM Seaside City, South Road Reclamation Area, Cebu City on 05 May 2018. The activity was spearheaded by Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) Cebu Chapter through its Chapter President, Dr. Helen Amorin.
Aside from Department of Health Regional Office VII, the walk was participated in by different partners from various partner agencies, hospital and educational institutions. This year’s theme for Cervical Cancer Consciousness Month was “Kalusugan ng Mag-ina ay Pahalagan: Magpa-cervical cancer screening at Magpabakuna laban sa HPV.”
Initiating the fight against cervical cancer, the program ceremony started with walk from San Pedro Calungsod Chapel to SM Seaside City. The event activity provided real time health information and education about cervical cancer and ways to prevent it.
In his keynote message, Department of Health Regional Office 7, Medical Officer IV, Dr. Dino Caing encouraged women to take the free cervical screening for the month of May. “Cervical cancer is still the second leading cause of deaths among women. It is still essential to recognize that the best medicine is prevention. We encourage everyone to be responsible of their own health especially women to take the free cervical screening in any DOH Hospitals or nearby health facilities,” Dr. Caing emphasized.
In addition, Dr. Caing mentioned that in order to prevent and control the rising cases and death of cervical cancer, it is important to underscore the importance cervical cancer screening among women. “The key to cervical cancer prevention and control includes promotion of healthy lifestyle, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer screening. The best way to detect a case is for a woman to have regular Pap smear or acetic acid wash to determine pre-cancerous lesions.” Dr. Caing said.
Other activities lined up during the activity were poster making and infomercials contests that provided health information on cervical awareness campaign. The month of May was designated to the observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, created through Proclamation No. 368 and was signed by then President Gloria Arroyo in 2003.