HPV (How to Prevent the Virus)

Words by Katherine Castillo Eustaquio

In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the 2nd deadliest disease among women. The cancer of the cervix is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, that is transmitted through sexual intercourse. There are over 100 different types of HPV, nearly 30 of which can become cancerous.

Over the years, the number of women diagnosed with the diseases has become alarming. “The tragedy is that 56%of Filipino women with cervical cancer will die within five years of diagnosis from a disease that is wholly preventable,” says Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, the director of the Cervical Cancer Prevention (Cecap) Network Program in the Philippines. According to her, this fatal disease is “highly preventable because it has a long pre-cancerous period during which it may be detected and stopped.”

Llave added that lack of awareness and poverty are two of the leading factors in the increase of cervical cancer cases in the Philippines. That’s why she has been working side by side with Cecap to conduct seminars and lectures all over the country about the detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Here are some of the ways you can help protect yourself from this alarming disease.

Early detection. A papanicolaou test, or pap smear, is a clinical test used to identify pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in a woman’s ectocervix. Annual pap smear tests will check if your cells are normal and healthy. The cells collected for a pap smear test can also be subjected to an HPV test that detects the viruses that cause the cells to change. A pelvic exam, which checks the ovaries, uterus and other organs, can also be done. These tests are recommended for women aged 21 and up, especially those who are sexually active, and should be done annually. If you are unsure what tests you should take, talk to your OB/GYN about it.

Anti-Cervical Cancer Vaccine. There are two available vaccines against cervical cancer in the market today; however, it is important to note that they can only “prevent” HPV infections, not treat them. GlaxoSmithKline’s cervical cancer vaccine is indicated for both young and older women (10 years of age onwards) for the prevention of cervical cancer. Apart from providing protection against HPV types 16 and 18, it has also shown efficiency against persistent infection caused by 12 other cancer-causing HPV strains. GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine has been formulated using the adjuvant system called AS04, which is designed to enhance our body’s immune response and increase the duration of protection.

Just like anywhere in the world, the best time to vaccinate young women is before they become sexually active. Ideally, young girls aged 10 and above could best benefit from early vaccination. But since HPV may persist through adulthood, older women are still potential candidates for vaccination. Make sure you talk to your OB/GYN about cervical cancer protection.

Avocados. We all know that it takes nine months for a fetus to develop fully in a woman’s womb. Coincidentally, it also takes nine months for an avocado to become ripened, which is why most food enthusiasts claim that an avocado is the fruit for women. Amazingly, recent research has shown that avocado can balance hormones, aid in post pregnancy weight loss, and help prevent cervical cancer.

Avocados are rich in folate, a certain type of Vitamin B that helps reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer in patients with HPV infection. It is also rich in glutathione, the antioxidant that attacks free radicals, potassium, and beta-carotene.

Safe sex. Regardless of social restrictions and religious hang-ups, more women should take charge of their health the best way they can. Apart from eating healthy, getting vaccinated, and keeping updated, practicing safe sex is one of the best ways to prevent the spreading of this disease. Other contraceptives can only control your fertility, not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases like cervical cancer.