ILOILO — Alarmed by the threat of cervical cancer among women in their reproductive years, the Iloilo Provincial Government has intensified its campaign for early detection through free screening services, warning that symptoms often appear only when the disease has already reached an advanced stage.
Through the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, health authorities are urging women — particularly those aged 25 to 65 — to undergo screening at Rural Health Units and district hospitals as part of the observance of Cancer Awareness Month this May.
The campaign coincides with the launch of human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV DNA) testing aimed at detecting women at risk of developing cervical cancer, which remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the Philippines.
According to Dr. Jhoanne Talion, Medical Officer III of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, cervical cancer is highly preventable if detected and treated early.
“That is very important because cervical cancer is one of those cancer nga puede ma-prevent kun ma-detect early or ma-treat gilayon,” Talion explained.
Talion said national data show that cervical cancer is most prevalent among women aged 30 to 49, prompting health authorities to prioritize screening for women within the reproductive age bracket.
She stressed that cervical cancer develops slowly over a period of 10 to 15 years, making early screening critical before the disease progresses into a full-blown malignancy.
“So, we encourage screening, even pre-cancer pa lang. We detect the risk and we treat it early para indi mag-proceed into cancer itself,” Talion added.
Among the warning signs of cervical cancer are abnormal bleeding or spotting, especially after intercourse, pelvic pain, and difficulty urinating once a mass develops in the cervix. Health officials, however, emphasized that these symptoms usually appear only during the disease’s later stages, underscoring the importance of preventive screening.
The provincial government said screening services remain available free of charge at government health facilities across Iloilo Province./PN
