‘FIGHT CERVICAL CANCER’: DOH Urges Women to Get Free HPV Shots, Screening

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Amid rising health concerns, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging women to take advantage of free cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination services available at government facilities.

In 2024, DOH Region 6 recorded 10,791 women screened for cervical cancer, accounting for only 0.44 percent of the region’s female population.

Of those screened, 520 individuals—or 4.82 percent—were found to have precancerous lesions or signs of cervical cancer.

Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali, head of the DOH-6 Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, emphasized that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when detected early.

“It is encouraged for women to make screening and vaccination part of their health priorities,” Gayomali said.

She recommended regular Pap smears or HPV tests for women aged 30 to 65, which are available at public health facilities.

Gayomali also noted that free HPV vaccines are available for girls aged 9 to 14 through the DOH’s School-Based Immunization Program and primary care centers.

She explained that HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer and is mainly transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.

The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, even when no symptoms or visible signs such as warts are present.

“If you are sexually active, you need to be examined,” she said.

“Before reaching the age of 14, girls should already receive the HPV vaccine.”

Gayomali added that vaccination is most effective for girls before they become sexually active, as it helps the body develop antibodies against HPV.

She emphasized that commercial sex workers are considered a high-risk group and should undergo routine screening.

Available cervical cancer screening methods include Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), Pap smear, and HPV DNA testing.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include unusual vaginal bleeding between periods, after menopause, or following intercourse.

Other signs include increased vaginal discharge that may be watery, bloody, or foul-smelling, as well as persistent pain in the back, pelvis, or legs.

In advanced stages, cervical cancer may cause swelling in the legs, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite.