Leading health and beauty retailer Watsons encourages
the public to stay protected against cervical cancer.
In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the
second most frequent cancer among Filipino women, especially those aged 15 to
44 years old.[1] 7,897 women
are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly and from that number, 4,052 of them
succumb to the disease.[2] What’s
more, cervical cancer also puts women at higher risk of miscarriage and
infertility.
Certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus or HPV are the
main cause of cervical cancer.[3] It’s the
most common sexually transmitted infection. Sexually active people, even with
just one partner, can get HPV. This can be passed on even when they have no
signs or symptoms of the infection.[4] Fortunately, HPV is a vaccine-preventable
disease.
"Vaccination provides an extra layer of
protection. We are working to help build healthier communities by making
vaccination more convenient and ensuring that customers always have access to
accurate health information," says Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of
Watsons.
Symptoms
Cervical cancer starts in the cervix which
connects the vagina, the birth canal, to the upper part of the uterus. Commonly
known as the womb, the uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. Anyone
with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, and the risk grows with age as
this occurs most often in people aged over 30.[5]
Unfortunately, cervical cancer may not show
signs and symptoms in its early stages. More often than not, it's already in
the advanced stage when there's bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is
abnormal for you, including bleeding after sex.[6]
If you start noticing any of these signs,
immediately see your doctor. The symptoms may be caused by something else, but
the only way to know you have cervical cancer is to see your doctor.[7]
Prevention
Schedule your regular screening tests with
your doctor. The Pap test, commonly known as Pap smear, looks for precancerous
cells.[8]
You can also have a regular HPV test since it
looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. But the greatest
preventive measure against cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine.[9]
The HPV vaccine not only protects you against
the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer but also the types of HPV that
cause vaginal and vulvar cancers. This vaccination is recommended for preteens
aged 11 to 12 years old but can be given at age 9, with your family doctor's go
signal.[10]
If you missed the HPV vaccine in your preteen
years, you can still get it until 26 years of age. Although it's not
recommended for everyone older than 26, you can still talk to your doctor about
it and get vaccinated until 45 years old.[11]
Cancer is a life-altering disease that
everyone wishes to avoid. To ensure that the women in our lives live long and
happy lives, we must encourage them to prioritize their health and choose to be
protected against all preventable diseases.
As every Filipino's health partner, Watsons
makes it easier for you to have a good quality of life. You can easily schedule
your HPV vaccination through the Watsons Health Hub or visit any of the 1000+
Watsons stores nationwide and ask their pharmacists. On your vaccination day, a
free doctor’s assessment is included in their service.
Stay Protected
Through Watson’s amazing network, they’re able
to provide you with different products and services to ensure that you can look
after your overall health and wellness through accessible and affordable means.
From June 15 to July 15, 2023, the Watsons Hub in SM North EDSA The Grand will
offer free teleconsultation services to Watsons Pharmacy customers.
In partnership with The Medical City, the
teleconsultation can provide patients with enhanced remote care through
in-depth, physical examinations such as checking the heart rate, lung sounds,
throat exam, ear exam, and taking temperature. After getting your diagnosis,
you can buy the doctor’s prescription at the Watsons Pharmacy beside the
clinic.
[1] Human
Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2023. HPV Centre. https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/PHL_FS.pdf?t=1593852267479#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20indicate%20that%20every,and%2044%20years%20of%20age. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[2] Human
Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2023. HPV Centre. https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/PHL_FS.pdf?t=1593852267479#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20indicate%20that%20every,and%2044%20years%20of%20age. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[3] Basic Information About Cervical Cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[4] HPV Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm#:~:text=What%20is%20HPV%3F,including%20genital%20warts%20and%20cancers. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[5] Basic Information About Cervical Cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm. Accessed on May 15,
2023.
[6] What
Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/symptoms.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[7] What
Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/symptoms.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[8] What
Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and
prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[9] What
Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and
prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[10] What
Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and
prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[11] What
Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and
prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
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