The Department of Health (DOH) is raising concerns about the high incidence of cervical cancer in the Philippines. According to data from the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), approximately 7,200 cases of cervical cancer are detected each year.
Cervical Cancer: A Major Health Threat
Cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among Filipino women, the DOH stated in a social media post. The disease is caused by infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin, genital area, anal region, and throat.
Free HPV Vaccination Program
To curb the rising number of cases, the DOH will provide free HPV vaccines to all female Grade 4 students. The agency aims to administer these vaccines in public schools through its upcoming school-based immunization program.
In addition, girls aged nine to 14 years old can also receive the free HPV vaccine at their local barangay health centers. The DOH encourages parents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their children from cervical cancer.
This initiative is part of the government's broader effort to reduce the burden of cervical cancer and improve women's health across the country.
