This Valentine’s Day, Show Your Love and Get Protected Against Cervical Cancer

This is an educational message sponsored by MSD Philippines.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time for chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners. But what if this year, you and your partner focused on something different? What if you celebrated your love by looking after your health and well-being?

This Valentine’s Day, consider a new kind of love language: the language of health and protection. Let’s explore how couples can make this day special while taking a proactive step toward a healthier future together.

HPV: A shared concern for couples

While often associated with women’s health, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a concern for both men and women. It is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health problems, including cervical cancer in women and other cancers in both sexes.1 While most HPV infections clear up on their own, persistent infections can lead to serious health problems, including cervical, vaginal, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.2 

The good news is that HPV is preventable through screening, vaccination, and certain healthy lifestyle choices. To stay protected, remember to observe the ABCDVs of cervical cancer prevention – Abstinence, Being faithful to one partner, Condom use, Doctor consultation, and Vaccination against HPV. 

Cervical cancer is one of the only preventable cancers. HPV vaccines can prevent infection with disease-causing HPV types, helping prevent many HPV-related cancers and cases of genital warts.3 By prioritizing your own protection, you’re also safeguarding your partner’s well-being, fostering a healthier and more secure relationship.

This Valentine’s Day, consider making a joint decision to discuss HPV prevention with your doctor–together – as a symbol of your commitment to each other’s health.

HPV prevention methods for couples

Alongside abstinence, being faithful to one partner, and condom use to prevent the spread of HPV and the diseases it causes, regular screening and early detection also play a crucial role in preventing serious health complications related to HPV. Routine check-ups and consultations with your doctor can help identify potential issues before they develop into more severe conditions. 

For women, Pap smears and HPV tests can detect abnormal cervical cells early, allowing for timely intervention. Men, while not having a standard HPV screening test, can still benefit from regular health consultations to monitor for any HPV-related symptoms. By staying proactive with screenings, couples can take control of their health together, ensuring a future that is not only loving but also healthy.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females, ideally before they become sexually active. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests routine HPV vaccination for boys and girls at age 11 or 12, though it can be administered as early as age 9, with a two-dose series for those who start before 15 and a three-dose series for those who begin at 15 or older.4 However, even if you’re already sexually active, the vaccine can still provide protection.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the HPV vaccine is highly tolerated and effective, helping prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers.5 By getting the HPV vaccination as a couple, you’re investing in your future together, reducing the risk of HPV-related health complications.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a healthy twist

This Valentine's Day, consider these health-focused activities with your significant other:

1. Consult your doctor about HPV vaccination.

Why not make an appointment with your doctor to discuss this as a couple? Today, it’s easier than ever to get the HPV vaccine, either from local pharmacies with certified immunizing pharmacists, or from hospitals and specialized clinics with obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyne).

For example, specialized clinics such as Kindred and the Healthway Vax Hub offer a wide range of vaccination services for children and adults alike, including HPV vaccination. You can also book your HPV vaccination with a local pharmacy near you through the following links: Mercury Drug, Watsons Pharmacy, and Southstar Drug Just make sure you have your doctor’s prescription with you before scheduling your HPV vaccination. 

2. Get screened.

If you’re sexually active as a couple, consider getting screened for HPV. Early detection and treatment of HPV-related conditions can significantly improve health outcomes. While there is no specific routine HPV screening test for men just yet, couples can prioritize their sexual health by getting screened together.6

Women can get regular Pap smears to detect abnormal cells in the cervix early before they become cancerous.7 Starting at the age of 30, it is also recommended that women undergo regular HPV screening every 5 to 10 years as part of overall cervical cancer prevention.8

You can also discuss your health history and HPV risk factors with your healthcare provider. This proactive approach fosters open communication and empowers couples to make informed decisions about their health.

3. Start meaningful conversations about your sexual health.

A romantic candlelit dinner is a good setting as any to discuss your overall health as a couple. Open communication, especially about sexual health, is vital for romantic relationships. Couples can foster a safe and supportive environment by initiating conversations about their sexual history, concerns, and preventive measures. 

Maintaining open dialogue about sexual health helps reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promotes overall well-being.9 Couples can start by sharing their knowledge about STIs, including HPV, and discussing their HPV vaccination status. 

The gift of health: A lasting expression of love

Remember: love is a journey, and health is an integral part of that journey. Prioritizing your health is one of the most profound ways to express your love for yourself and your partner. By prioritizing your health, you’re ensuring that you can enjoy many more Valentine’s Days together, filled with love, laughter, and good health.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself and your partner from HPV and cervical cancer, visit https://guardagainsthpv.ph/ today.  

Prioritizing Cancer Control: Prevention, Screening, and Advanced Treatment

Cancer is a growing global health crisis, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgency of action. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reported nearly 20 million new cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths in 2022 alone. This grim trend is projected to worsen, with an estimated 35 million new cases annually by 2050. Southeast Asia, in particular, faces a significant burden, with over 1.1 million new cases and 700,000 deaths in 2022, with breast, lung, and colorectal cancers leading the charge. 

Dr. Zee Ying Kiat
Senior Consultant of Medical Oncology
 Parkway Cancer Center 

Parkway Cancer Center recently hosted a media roundtable event titled "Common Adult Cancers: Prevention, Screening, and Treatment" at the New World Hotel. Dr. Zee Ying Kiat, Senior Consultant of Medical Oncology at Parkway Cancer Center, led the discussion, highlighting the importance of awareness and education in empowering individuals to take proactive steps in their health journey. By understanding cancer risk factors, embracing preventive measures, and seeking early detection, individuals can play a vital role in mitigating the impact of this devastating disease. 

The fight against cancer requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment strategies. Parkway Cancer Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care, leveraging advanced medical technology, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support for patients and their families. With ongoing research and innovation, the hope is to continue improving the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

A Holistic Approach: Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to combating cancer, emphasizing prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. This holistic strategy aims to reduce the impact of cancer and improve patient outcomes.

 

Parkway Cancer Center: Leading the Way in Southeast Asia

 

Parkway Cancer Center, a leading cancer care institution in Southeast Asia, is actively contributing to this global effort. They provide state-of-the-art facilities, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive support services for patients, all while promoting awareness and education.

 

Understanding Cancer: Causes and Prevention

 

Cancer develops when normal cells transform into tumor cells, which can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. While genetic factors play a role, lifestyle choices are often the primary drivers of cancer development. Dr. Zee Ying Kiat, Senior Consultant of Medical Oncology at Parkway Cancer Center, emphasizes that about one in five people develops cancer, and one in ten dies from it before the age of 75. He stresses the importance of understanding cancer risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle choices to reduce risk.

 

Early Detection: A Key to Survival

 

Early detection through screening is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and increasing survival rates. Dr. Zee highlights the importance of regular screenings, particularly for cancers like breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer. He cautions that not all cancers have effective screening tests, but those that do offer a significant advantage in early diagnosis and treatment. He has a special interest in colorectal cancer, also emphasized that in East and Southeast Asian countries, researchers have observed a significant rise in colorectal cancer rates.

“Early diagnosis, even before the onset of symptoms, is crucial in allowing doctors to deliver more effective treatment with potentially higher rates of cure. This underlines the importance of screening for colorectal cancer.” he remarked. 

 

Advancements in Treatment: Tailored Approaches for Better Outcomes

 

Parkway Cancer Center is at the forefront of cancer treatment, offering personalized treatment plans and utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that involves a team of specialists and allied health professionals. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, each tailored to the individual patient's needs and cancer stage.

Cervical Cancer: Understanding a Fatal Female Diseases

Leading health and beauty retailer Watsons encourages the public to stay protected against cervical cancer. 

In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among Filipino women, especially those aged 15 to 44 years old. 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly and from that number, 4,052 of them succumb to the disease. What’s more, cervical cancer also puts women at higher risk of miscarriage and infertility. 

Certain strains  of the Human Papillomavirus or HPV are the main cause of cervical cancer. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection. Sexually active people, even with just one partner, can get HPV. This can be passed on even when they have no signs or symptoms of the infection.  Fortunately, HPV is a vaccine-preventable disease. 

"Vaccination provides an extra layer of protection. We are working to help build healthier communities by making vaccination more convenient and ensuring that customers always have access to accurate health information," says Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons. 

Symptoms

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix which connects the vagina, the birth canal, to the upper part of the uterus. Commonly known as the womb, the uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, and the risk grows with age as this occurs most often in people aged over 30.

Unfortunately, cervical cancer may not show signs and symptoms in its early stages. More often than not, it's already in the advanced stage when there's bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is abnormal for you, including bleeding after sex.

If you start noticing any of these signs, immediately see your doctor. The symptoms may be caused by something else, but the only way to know you have cervical cancer is to see your doctor.

Prevention

Schedule your regular screening tests with your doctor. The Pap test, commonly known as Pap smear, looks for precancerous cells.

You can also have a regular HPV test since it looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. But the greatest preventive measure against cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine not only protects you against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer but also the types of HPV that cause vaginal and vulvar cancers. This vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years old but can be given at age 9, with your family doctor's go signal.

If you missed the HPV vaccine in your preteen years, you can still get it until 26 years of age. Although it's not recommended for everyone older than 26, you can still talk to your doctor about it and get vaccinated until 45 years old.

Cancer is a life-altering disease that everyone wishes to avoid. To ensure that the women in our lives live long and happy lives, we must encourage them to prioritize their health and choose to be protected against all preventable diseases.

As every Filipino's health partner, Watsons makes it easier for you to have a good quality of life. You can easily schedule your HPV vaccination through the Watsons Health Hub or visit any of the 1000+ Watsons stores nationwide and ask their pharmacists. On your vaccination day, a free doctor’s assessment is included in their service.

Stay Protected

Photo from Watsons

Through Watson’s amazing network, they’re able to provide you with different products and services to ensure that you can look after your overall health and wellness through accessible and affordable means. From June 15 to July 15, 2023, the Watsons Hub in SM North EDSA The Grand will offer free teleconsultation services to Watsons Pharmacy customers.

In partnership with The Medical City, the teleconsultation can provide patients with enhanced remote care through in-depth, physical examinations such as checking the heart rate, lung sounds, throat exam, ear exam, and taking temperature. After getting your diagnosis, you can buy the doctor’s prescription at the Watsons Pharmacy beside the clinic.

6 Common Lies about Lice

Head lice infestation or pediculosis has been a big health problem since the dawn of time. Generations of parents and guardians have always warned against lice, often times panicking and immediately whipping out a suyod (lice comb) once they see something crawling beneath children’s hair. However, despite our long and itchy history with head lice, there are still many who believe in the common misconceptions about lice infestation.

Kilusang Kontra Kuto, a coalition of head lice prevention experts and advocates led by Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz, the Department of Education or DepED, University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health, Mommy Bloggers Philippines, and Drugstores Association of the Philippines, was created with the goal of dispelling these misconceptions and changing the negative view on pediculosis.

Here are a few of the common misconceptions we often hear about kuto:

⛔ Lice can jump or fly from head to head 

One misconception is that head lice can be obtained just by standing close to someone, due to the ability of lice to ‘jump or fly from one head to another.’ But this is not true. Head lice are not built for jumping or flying. They can, however, transfer from head to head by crawling. Their legs have claws that allow them mobility while gripping strands of hair. They can also be transferred through using someone else’s hair comb, hat, towel or any other object that comes in contact with heads. 

To avoid getting head lice, Dr. Arlene Bertuso from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health advised, “Kung kayo po ay may mga kakilala o may mga kaibigan o mga kamag-anak na suspected na may kuto, wag niyo pong ipapagamit sa inyong mga anak o sa inyong mga kasambahay o sa inyong mga kapamilya ang mga gamit katulag ng suklay, tuwalya, mga damit ng mga suspected o may mga kuto (Don’t let your kids, relatives, and maids use things such as combs, towels, and clothes of people who are suspected to have head lice).”

⛔ Head Lice is caused by poor hygiene 

Many associate head lice with poor hygiene, but anyone can is vulnerable. In fact, it is harder for head lice to live on greasy hair because it is much more slippery.

⛔ Only children get head lice 

Head lice can also be obtained regardless of age and social status. Head lice is simply more prominent in school-aged children than adults because they are more likely to share hats and clothes with others.

⛔Lice prefer longer hair

Another common belief is that head lice prefer to infect longer hair because it is easier for them to camouflage themselves this way. However, the main goal of lice is to infect the scalp and feed off of the blood that lies there, so the likelihood of getting lice is the same whether you have shorter or longer hair. Also, because they mostly stay near the scalp, they are often hard to miss.

⛔You can get lice from animals

Pediculosis is a form of lice infestation that is specific to humans. Over the course of time, lice has evolved based on the kind of hair we have, thus other animals have their own lice and fleas lurking in tufts of fur. This means that humans cannot get lice from household pets and other animals.

⛔ Lice can survive on sheets and blankets for weeks

Head lice cannot survive without feeding from a host. It can still manage to live on linen, stuffed animals or clothes, but it will die after 48 hours. This makes it less likely for you to be infected with head lice from lying on the couch than from direct head to head contact. 

According to Dr. Arlene Bertruso, there are 17% of children who study in public schools in the nation, and they are at risk of getting head lice. “[That is] equivalent to 8,000,000 children. (Equivalent sa 8,000,000 na bata).” says Dr. Bertruso.

Misinformation about lice infestation can fuel the cultural stigma around it and could impact not only the health, but also the behavior of these children. This stigma can be removed by arming ourselves with the proper information to combat these misconceptions. Let us promote proper health communication and conduct the appropriate safety precautions to ensure effective head lice treatment.

For a safe and proven way to eliminate head lice and nits, Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo is an effective solution with its active ingredient pyrethrin, a chrysanthemum extract.

To know more about Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, visit www.facebook.com/licealiz.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

It’s the rainy season again. 

The Department of Health (DOH) urges the public to be careful with diseases common during rainy season known as WILD - an acronym that stands for Water-borne diseases, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue. 

Here are some information about Leptospirosis.

LEPTOSPIROSIS is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress.

How do people get leptospirosis?

Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Many different kinds of animals carry the bacterium; they may become sick but sometimes have no symptoms. Leptospira organisms have been found in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin. The disease is not known to be spread from person to person.

How long is it between the time of exposure and when people become sick?

The time between a person's exposure to a contaminated source and becoming sick is 2 days to 4 weeks. Illness usually begins abruptly with fever and other symptoms.

Leptospirosis may occur in two phases; after the first phase, with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea, the patient may recover for a time but become ill again. If a second phase occurs, it is more severe; the person may have kidney or liver failure or meningitis. This phase is also called Weil's disease.

The illness lasts from a few days to three weeks or longer. Without treatment, recovery may take several months.

Where is leptospirosis found?

Leptospirosis occurs worldwide but is most common in temperate or tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with animals, for example, farmers, sewer workers, veterinarians, fish workers, dairy farmers, or military personnel. It is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports in contaminated areas and has been associated with swimming, wading, and whitewater rafting in contaminated lakes and rivers. The incidence is also increasing among urban children.

How is leptospirosis treated?

Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease. Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms. Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a health care provider.

Can leptospirosis be prevented?

The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine.

Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities.

Source:  Gabay sa Kalusugan - Health Page.