In line with Cervical Cancer Month, the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) OB-Gyne Department headed by Dr. Belinda Pañares, young volunteers of She Matters Foundation and other organizations walked with glowing lanterns from Fuente Osmeña rotunda to The Terraces grounds of Ayala Center Cebu to show their support for the fight against cervical cancer last May 28.
The lantern walk aimed to raise awareness that cervical cancer is 100 percent preventable. It also aimed to encourage women to act and educate themselves with the disease.
Cervical cancer is the second most common disease among women next to breast cancer.
It is caused by certain types of Human papilloma virus, which is transmitted sexually.
There are no symptoms during the early stage of the disease. Therefore, women should undergo an annual pap smear screening for early detection.
The disease can be prevented through regular pap tests.
The activity was successful with the support of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Cebu Association of Resident Physicians in Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, Department of Health Region 7, Merck Sharp and Dohme Corp., She Matters Cervical Cancer Foundation Inc., Kalipi Women’s Federation, Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu City government.
For more information about cervical cancer, ask your OB-Gyne. Those who want to join She Matters Cervical Cancer Foundation as volunteers may visit www.shematters.com.ph or add She Matters on facebook.