HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, which ranks as the second most frequent cancer among Filipino women, with around 12 women dying daily from the disease. It particularly affects those between the ages of 15 and 44. With an estimated 37.8 million women at risk of the disease, early prevention remains essential to reduce mortality rates. However, the disease is preventable through primary prevention, such as HPV vaccination, and secondary measures like regular screening.
In Ilocos Norte, the youngest patient battling cervical cancer is a 30-year-old woman currently receiving treatment at Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rickson Balalio expressed concern that women are being diagnosed with cervical cancer at younger ages. “When cervical cancer is detected, it is often already in an advanced stage, making treatment less effective,” Balalio warned.
With this, the medical expert hopes that more local government units will replicate this health initiative to ensure that all Filipinos have access to vaccinations and eliminate cervical cancer at once.
“I could say that this activity is excellent and beneficial to our constituents. This showcases that in our province, vaccine hesitancy among parents regarding vaccinating their children has been eliminated. Hopefully, neighboring provinces will follow our example.” said Balalio.
