DOH Gives Free Cervical, Breast Cancer Screening to Cavite Teachers

(Photo courtesy of DOH)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday provided free cervical and breast cancer screening to public school teachers of Angelo Loyola School Carmona in Cavite, in celebration of Valentine's Day.

A total of 150 female teachers have undergone visual inspection with acetic acid test, pap smear (which costs PHP2,000 to PHP4,000), and human papillomavirus (HPV) deoxyribonucleic acid testing (which costs PHP8,000 to PHP10,000).

"Sa maagang screening, mas mapapababa ang panganib ng cancer dahil mas magiging maaga ang gamutan habang hindi pa ito malala (With early screening, the risk of cancer will be lower as early treatment starts),” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a news release.

“Ang isang komunidad ay magiging malakas lang kung malakas ang mga kababaihan (A community will be strong if women in it are strong). The Philippines is a matriarchal society. We have to take care of women,” he added.

Cervical cancer ranks third among most common cancer types in the country.

Nonetheless, less than 1 percent seek medical consultation for its early detection and treatment and prevent death.

The DOH also provided clinical breast examination and breast ultrasound, HPV vaccination, human immunodeficiency virus screening and counseling, mental health services, and family planning services such as distribution of oral contraceptive pills, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, and contraceptive implants.

The DOH aims to reach and provide these services to 320,000 women aged 30 to 65 years in CALABARZON. (PNA)