Despite being highly preventable, cervical cancer remains a major threat to Filipino women due to low HPV vaccination coverage, limited awareness, and inadequate screening, according to an opinion piece in BusinessWorld . The article notes that around 12 Filipinas die from the disease every day, making it the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the Philippines.
The piece emphasizes that prevention is key, yet many women remain unprotected. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are low, and screening programs are not reaching enough women. The author calls for increased government efforts to promote vaccination and regular screening, which could drastically reduce the number of cases and deaths.
In addition to vaccination, the article highlights the need for better public education on cervical cancer risks and early detection. With a combination of widespread HPV immunization and accessible screening, the country could move closer to eliminating this preventable disease, saving thousands of lives each year.