Cervical cancer continues to be the second most prevalent cancer among Filipino women aged 15 to 44, with alarming new data revealing that only about 1 percent of the country’s 54 million women underwent Pap smear screening in 2023, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
Medical experts warn that this low screening rate directly contributes to the nation’s high cervical cancer mortality.
Dr. Renee Vina G. Sicam, a gynecologist at Makati Medical Center, emphasized the severity of the situation: “Every two hours, a Filipino woman dies from cervical cancer. This translates to 12 daily deaths and 4,380 lives lost annually – tragedies that could largely be prevented through regular Pap smear screenings.”
The medical community recommends women begin Pap smear testing at age 30, with follow-up screenings every three years if initial results are normal.
For more comprehensive detection, healthcare providers also advise HPV DNA testing, which identifies high-risk human papillomavirus strains strongly associated with cervical cancer development.
Despite the procedure’s brief duration – typically under five minutes – and relatively quick turnaround for results (ranging from a few days to three weeks), cultural discomfort remains a significant barrier. Dr. Sicam acknowledged these concerns but stressed the exam’s life-saving potential: “We understand patients may feel vulnerable, but medical professionals focus solely on health outcomes, not appearance. Early detection through these screenings can mean the difference between life and death.”
Health authorities urge Filipino women to prioritize these screenings regardless of personal discomfort. With proper scheduling (avoiding menstrual periods) and wearing comfortable clothing, the process can be managed with minimal stress. Some patients find it helpful to bring a trusted companion for support during the appointment.
