Facts about cervical cancer

Why you need to protect yourself Cervical cancer is currently the second highest killer of women in the Philippines. Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, and this virus is transmitted through genital contact. There are hundreds of types of HPV but only 15 types can cause cancer. The most worrisome cancer-causing HPV types are HPV 16 and 18 since they account for 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. More so, up to 80% of all women will get HPV in their lifetime which may lead to cervical cancer. This means every woman is at risk and should get the protection they need. Screening is an important tool in cervical cancer prevention but it can only detect, not prevent, cervical cancer. Now,there are vaccines which can offer this protection and they are proven safe and effective. Just like other vaccines, it is best given at the earliest possible age since adolescents generally produce better immune responses. Of course, the vaccine should be effective against HPV 16 and 18. Consider all your options in vaccines against cervical cancer. It shoukd give protection that is designed to last, creating an antibody that continues to stay high after completing 3 doses.