IN A bid to lower the cases of cervical cancer, doctors at the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center (BGHMC) are encouraging women to undergone gynecologic test.
Dr. Jimmy Billod, BGHMC Medical Officer IV from the department of obstetrics and gynecology, said low immune system, taking contraceptive pills, smoking, and unprotected sexual intercourse can lead vaginal infection.
“Low immune system can be one of the risk factors for cervical cancer, ganun din yung pag-inom ng long-term contraceptive pills, paninigarilyo at unsafe sex,” the doctor warned.
For the last two years, Billod said there were 50 cervical cancer cases in 2015 while 60 cases were recorded in 2016.
Billod, however, clarified aside from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), cervical cancer patients from La Union and Pangasinan also sought the medical help at the BGHMC.
“Women aged 30 to 45 are more prone to have cervical cancer,” Billod added.
The medical officer, meanwhile, encouraged as early as 21 years old, a women should consult a doctor for early treatment in case of possible symptoms of cervical cancer and every three years thereafter.
Billod added there are at least 10 to 13 cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the BGHMC.
Symptoms of the disease include abnormal bleeding and menstruation, vaginal discharge and low back pains. (Colegio de Dagupan Intern Jerick James Pasiliao)