I wrote this letter to my future self because I have a dream that I want to protect for myself and loved ones.
We all have dreams, every single one of us. We all have a vision for how our ideal life should be and who we should be living it, but the majority of us never make it happen because of the sad fact that every day, seven Filipino women die of cervical cancer, and may never get to complete their life goals, may be stripped of the chance to fulfill a successful career, start a family or even just find Mr. Right. All because of a disease, a kind of cancer that puts every woman at risk, regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status.
Cervical cancer continues to be a major threat for Filipino women. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas. What’s worrisome is that two in three Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years. Since culturally, Filipinas are known to be caring and selfless for others but tend to dismiss concerns about themselves, those who may have contracted cervical cancer may have been diagnosed at a late stage, when the chances of recovery are slim.
Power Over Cervical Cancer
In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, research-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) furthers its advocacy to increase cervical cancer awareness efforts with the Power Over Cervical Cancer “You Can & You Will” campaign.
The campaign aims to encourage Filipinas to realize that they have the power to protect themselves and their dreams—simply by consulting their doctors and asking about ways to prevent cervical cancer.
“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Getting cancer may be a distant concept for women who are well and at their prime, but they should be aware that even the healthiest can be at risk,” says, Dr. Leah Manio, GSK Medical Affairs Manager.
In the Philippines, it is estimated that the financial cost of preventing cervical cancer through screening and vaccination could be 20 times more affordable than the cost of treatment,” she adds.
“The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands, and NOW is the best time to consult with your physician and have yourself screened,” Dr. Manio stated.
GSK remains true to its commitment of increasing access to preventive healthcare through its initiatives to improve access to information through its disease awareness efforts.
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| Andi Manzano-Reyes with her Mom Rose Manzano Cervical Cancer Survivo |
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uters. This is caused by persistent infection with the cancer causing human papillomavirus (HPV).
It is also estimated that up to 80 percent of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Majority of HPV infections may come and go, some may clear spontaneously within two years, however if the immune system is weak, the HPV infections may persist and may eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer.
While HPV is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin genital contact is also a recognized mode of transmission. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cervical cancer, such as being conscientious about one’s sexual activities. Beyond regular consultations and pap smears by your OB-GYN, vaccines that protect against cancer-causing HPV are also now readily available.
Who is at risk?
The incidence of cancer-causing HPV infection is actually highest at the young ages of 15-19. One is at a greater risk of cervical cancer if one had her first sexual intercourse at a young age; have given birth for multiple times; have or have had sexually transmitted diseases; have HIV or whose immune system is weakened; a smoker; long-term use of oral contraceptives for 5 years or more and those who rarely or have not yet had any pap smear.
The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old.
For older women, the risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old. Thus, screening is recommended starting age 21 to detect cervical abnormalities that precede actual cervical cancer. Studies further show that vaccination remains to be beneficial for older women to prevent HPV infections.
To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Power Over Cervical Cancer Page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/POCCPh) and the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube (www.youtube.com/ProteksyonPortal) containing information and short films conveying how protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases is one important step in the achievement of one’s dreams.
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| Lyn Baxter, Jackielyn Cortez, Alexis Ventura, Rose Manzano, Andi Manzano, Abbygale De Leon, Loreann Villanueva, Dr Christine Dizon, Dr Leah Maño |
ABOUT GSK
GSK is one of the world’s leading, research-based
pharmaceutical companies with the mission to improve the quality of human life
by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. At the core of
GSK’s business model is the use of knowledge and development of intellectual
property. They create value by researching, manufacturing and making available
products that improve people’s health and well-being. A healthier society
enables people to live life to the fullest, allowing them and their communities
to prosper. A sustained flow of innovative products enables our business to
grow and replenish our value to patients and consumers.
GSK manufactures and distributes more than four billion packs
of products to 150 countries around the world. With this extensive global
presence, GSK is striving to make their products as widely accessible as
possible.
To increase access to GSK products in the world’s
least-developed countries, they have held prices of their patented medicines in
this region at no more than 25% of our developed-world prices and they reinvest
one-fifth of the profits they make from sales in these territories back into
local healthcare infrastructure projects.
Their vaccines business is one of the largest in the world,
developing, producing, and distributing over 1.9 million vaccines everyday to
people across the world. In 2015, they distributed more than 600 million doses to
over 150 countries. They believe that the protection from life-threatening
diseases provides opportunities for improved healthcare, not just for
individuals but for the communities in which they live.
Over the last forty years, the medicines, vaccines, and devices was developed, together with insights from their scientific programs and collaboration with healthcare professionals, have played a fundamental role in improving disease understanding and patient management.
For further information, please visit www.gsk.com
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