Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Although highly preventable, it continues to claim thousands of lives each year, largely because awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), vaccination, and regular screening remains limited.
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. HPV is also one of the most common viral infections, with studies showing that 80% to 90% of sexually active individuals may acquire the virus at least once in their lifetime. While most HPV infections clear naturally, persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases if left untreated. HPV affects both women and men.
Yet for many women, health often falls to the bottom of an already long list of priorities. Between work, family responsibilities, and the demands of daily life, preventive healthcare is frequently delayed or overlooked, with many seeking medical attention only after symptoms appear.
This important reality took center stage during the recent “Because She Can: Preventive Health for a Thriving Future” Women’s Health Roundtable, where healthcare advocates, medical experts, personalities, and women leaders gathered to encourage more open and empowering conversations about women’s health, cervical cancer prevention, and the importance of proactive healthcare.
Organized by MSD in the Philippines through its Guard Against HPV initiative, the event continued the company’s “Because She Can” campaign, reinforcing the message that taking charge of one’s health is an act of empowerment, self-respect, and self-care.
Joining the discussion were content creator and advocate Ayn Bermos, former Miss Universe Philippines MJ Lastimosa, Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma, and OB-GYN and cervical cancer prevention advocate Dr. Ada Andela Cabrera, MD. Together, they helped simplify conversations surrounding HPV, cervical cancer prevention, and women’s preventive healthcare while encouraging women to openly discuss their personal healthcare journeys without fear or embarrassment.
The panel emphasized that prevention begins with small but meaningful steps—learning more about HPV, scheduling regular medical checkups, understanding available screening options, seeking credible health information, and becoming more proactive about one’s overall health and well-being.
Dr. Cabrera stressed that while cervical cancer is preventable, many women continue to delay preventive care.
“Cervical cancer is a disease of the cervix, the neck of the uterus. It serves as the passageway through which a baby passes before being delivered through the vagina. Unfortunately, cervical cancer cases in the Philippines continue to rise, and many remain undetected until they reach advanced stages. That is why regular screening is very important, even before HPV infection develops,” Dr. Cabrera explained.
She also reminded the public that although cervical cancer affects only women, HPV can also cause several other cancers.
“HPV doesn’t only cause cervical cancer. It may also lead to vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and other HPV-related cancers. That’s why everyone should be protected against HPV,” she added.
Dr. Cabrera cited the alarming increase in cervical cancer deaths among Filipinas.
“In 2007, two women died every day from cervical cancer. Last year, that number increased to 12 Filipinas every day,” she said.
She explained that abnormal bleeding, particularly after sexual intercourse, is one of the warning signs of cervical cancer, making early detection through regular screening even more critical.
According to Dr. Cabrera, cervical cancer can largely be prevented through HPV vaccination, ideally at a young age. She also encourages women, especially mothers, to visit their OB-GYN after giving birth to their first child and continue undergoing routine gynecological checkups—even when they feel perfectly healthy.
“I appreciate women who visit their OB-GYN regularly, even if they don’t have symptoms. Prevention is always better than cure,” she noted.
Despite advances in medical science and increasing awareness campaigns, many women continue to postpone preventive healthcare because of fear, stigma, misinformation, busy schedules, and concerns about accessibility and affordability. Conversations surrounding reproductive health also remain uncomfortable for many, preventing women from asking questions or seeking professional medical advice early.
Prevention Begins by Prioritizing Your Health
The roundtable likewise underscored the need to normalize conversations about women’s health, preventive care, and overall wellness. Too often, healthcare is approached reactively rather than proactively, with many women ignoring symptoms or delaying consultations until health concerns become more serious.
Preventive healthcare extends beyond doctor’s appointments. It also means making healthier lifestyle choices, managing stress, getting enough rest, staying physically active, and paying closer attention to one’s body. Regular screening, timely vaccination, and seeking medical advice early are essential steps toward protecting long-term health.
Creating open, relatable, and judgment-free conversations about women’s health can empower more women to prioritize themselves instead of allowing fear or misinformation to dictate their healthcare decisions. Community support, safe spaces, and access to reliable information also play vital roles in helping women make informed choices about their health.
Ultimately, the discussion delivered a simple yet powerful reminder: taking care of one’s health is never selfish—it is one of the greatest investments every woman can make.
Women are encouraged to learn more about cervical cancer prevention, HPV, screening, and preventive healthcare through the Guard Against HPV campaign. Visit guardagainsthpv.ph for more information.
For additional details about MSD in the Philippines and its health initiatives, visit msd.com.ph.
