We may be living in an era where women not only rule our homes, they also run the world—from being leaders in the government to managing business enterprises, women now have more opportunities to realize their dreams.
The sad fact, however, is that every day, seven Filipino women die of cervical cancer, and may never get to complete their life goals, may be stripped of the chance to fulfill a successful career, start a family or even just find Mr. Right. All because of a disease, a kind of cancer that puts every woman at risk, regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status.
Cervical cancer continues to be a major threat for Filipino women. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas. What’s worrisome is that two in three Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years. Since culturally, Filipinas are known to be caring and selfless for others but tend to dismiss concerns about themselves, those who may have contracted cervical cancer may have been diagnosed at a late stage, when the chances of recovery are slim.