Today, the Philippines is considered as the most prevalent country that has a remarkable rate of deadly diseases. Based on the record of the Philippine Cancer Society, breast cancer and cervical cancer are the two most common dreaded diseases among Filipino women these days. This is the main reason that there are various women’s groups in the country who have been relentlessly supporting the International Women’s Day that is being celebrated every month of May by various groups of women in order to raise awareness of other women about these diseases that have become major health problem among Filipino women nowadays. This program also provides financial, moral and medical assistance to the patients who are suffering breast cancer and cervical cancer. (http://www.pinayinaction.com/?p=284)
Specifically, breast cancer remains the leading cause of death among women here. In fact, the Philippines ranked first in breast cancer cases in Southeast Asia. And, the sad part is, the number of breast cancer cases has been increasing every year. Aside from that, there are many governmental programs that advocate in disseminating information campaign about the importance of self-check up as an initial procedure to know if there is any lump in the breasts. If in case there is something that a woman would feel, she should right away consult a physician for thorough medical check-up and evaluation. At this time and age, a mammography medical tool is very vital in determining or examining woman’s breasts. There is ideal medical equipment that can discover early detection of breast cancer. Many medical experts suggest to most Filipino women aged fifty years old and above to submit themselves to regular mammography examination for the early prevention and reduction of breast cancer incidence in the country. And the good news is; there is a high increase of survival rate among women with breast cancer. Based on the WHO medical record, there are four women who are able to survive every year from breast cancer worldwide.
On the contrary, cervical cancer is the second most fatal disease among Filipino women in the country. This disease is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is a sexually transmitted disease that if not be treated will lead to cervical cancer. In this connection, many medical experts and researchers have agreed with one another that the primary reason that cervical cancer is very prevalent in the Philippines is because many women are not aware of the disease. In the same manner, most women are not aware and not knowledgeable about the causes and symptoms of the disease. Similarly, the women are not aware and knowledgeable about the early detection, prevention and proper treatment of cervical cancer. For these reasons, cervical cancer death cases in the Philippines are more increasing every year compared to breast cancer death incidence. International medical study reveals; that one woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes globally. As well as five hundred thousand new cases of this fatal disease are being consulted yearly in various hospitals. And as a result, only two or three cervical cancer cases are able to survive yearly. Otherwise, there is a medical procedure of course for the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer; this is actually a simple procedure that is commonly known as Pap smear screening procedure. And, it only costs P 800.00 in the private clinics and hospitals within the country. Undergoing this medical procedure will determine if there are abnormal cells in the cervix. Just in case, there is a detection of abnormal cells. The patient will undergo proper treatment and medical maintenance. Aside from this point, there is another medical screening program that Department of Health has been promoting; and that is the (VIA) or Visual Inspection through Acetic Acid Wash (using vinegar). This is the most affordable medical screening and provides a faster result to the patients than the Pap smear screening. (http://www.bulatlat.com/news/7-6/7-6-cancer.htm)
Relatively, there are many Filipino women who started in coming out to the open about their real health conditions. Women before, used to be very discreet about their having cancer, but at present, it is already different scenario. A lot of Filipina cancer victims as well as cancer survivors are being vocal about their medical and health experiences through participating to different movements, rallies and advocacies against breast and cervical cancer. Currently, most Filipinas are voluntarily sharing their own experiences, agonies, treatments and the healing process they have been through to other new victims of breast and cervical cancer all over the country. In line with this, the government and various non-government organizations are joining hands in promoting varied anti-cancer programs and campaigns for the prevention of cancer cases in the Philippine society. (http://www.bulatlat.com/news/7-6/7-6-cancer.htm)
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