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DoH leads cervical cancer advocacy with corporations

11/09/2008

The Department of Health (DoH), together with the Cancer Institute Foundation, the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (Cecap), UP-PGH Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infectious Diseases Section (IDS), Immunizers, National Bookstore, Magnolia Healthy Drinks and Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), recently held a press conference entitled “Babae, Mahalaga Ka! Makiisa sa Laban, Magpa-Cervical Cancer Screening Na!” at the Hyatt Hotel.

The conference was held to further inform everyone of the progress made in the campaign since its inception earlier this year.

Launched in May 2008 to celebrate the first national cervical cancer prevention month and to help educate women and men about the dangers of cervical cancer and the importance of being screened and getting protected, the Babae, Mahalaga Ka! cervical cancer advocacy aimed to spread awareness and information on the disease as well as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common virus that can infect both men and women and, when high-risk, can ultimately lead to cervical cancer.

Since May, information has been disseminated about cervical cancer – its causes, how to detect the disease, how to prevent it, as well as urging women to go to their doctors for cervical cancer screening. In line with the ongoing advocacy campaigns, the DoH has strengthened its program for cervical cancer awareness by conducting nationwide lay forums, working with other government and LGUs to make screenings more readily available.

It has also partnered with corporations such as National Bookstore, Magnolia Healthy Drinks, MSD, UP-PGH OB-IDS and Immunizers that will help spread information on the disease through their various awareness efforts.

In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women taking nearly 10 women’s lives daily. Through the combined efforts of DoH and its partners, the Babae, Mahalag Ka! campaign can help decrease deaths with proper education, screenings, and other preventive measures.

For more information, visit www.mahalagaka.com.