The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization stressed the importance getting girls protected from cervical cancer through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as nine years old.
The Geneva, Switzerland-based organization said the risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) gets higher with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old.
The organization urged regular screening starting age 21 to detect cervical abnormalities that precede actual cervical cancer. Vaccination is also recommended for older women to prevent new HPV infections.
To counter the threat of cervical cancer in the country, cosmetic manufacturer VMV Hypoallergenic formed a partnership with GSK Philippines to spread awareness on the dangers posed by cervical cancer.
“We are fully committed toward this partnership with GSK Philippines. At VMV Hypoallergenics, we promise the safest, most proven effective care on the planet — and that extends to beauty. This unique combination of science, wellness and beauty means we also strongly stand for advocacies that help women, their health and happiness," said Jacklyn Remo, assistant marketing manager for VMV Hypoallergenics.
GSK continues to boost its cervical cancer awareness efforts this year. In the Philippines, the Power Over Cervical Cancer campaign urges Filipinas to realize that they are empowered and can do something to prevent the disease.
Popular hosts Andi Manzano-Reyes and Ginger Conejero graced the occasion.
In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, GSK Philippines and VMV launched their campaign recently in Makati called Put On Your Power Pout.
The partnership introduced a twist on spreading awareness: encouraging women to join the movement by wearing purple lipstick to show their support for the advocacy on cervical cancer prevention.
“Cancer is quite a distant concept for women who are well. What might be more important to them is keeping up with the latest trends, especially in fashion and beauty. The lipstick is a woman’s own — when she wears it, she makes a statement about herself. Through this partnership with VMV, we hope to drive women to make a statement against cervical cancer,” said Mark Castillo, GSK product manager.
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. The human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus, is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. It has been shown that 99.7% of cervical cancer patients are positive for HPV infection. It is also estimated that up to 80% of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.
While HPV is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin genital contact is also a recognized mode of transmission.
Lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cervical cancer, such as being conscientious about one’s sexual activities. Beyond regular consultations and pap smears by your OB-GYN, vaccines that protect against cancer-causing HPV are also now readily available.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
