Power Over Cervical Cancer: The Power Wives

The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands. Every woman regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status is at risk. But it can be prevented. The World Health Organization recommends screening and vaccination as a form of preventive healthcare. 

As a celebration of selfless and loving women, GSK continues to boost cervical cancer awareness. Just like last Saturday, we were invited to the Power Over Cancer campaign to empower women that they can do something to prevent the disease and have a meaningful and joyful life. 

To further advance the advocacy, GSK asked the Power Wives - the Seafarers' Wives, to a program on personality development, image building, personal resilience, financial management and self-care. Because there are about 400,000 Filipino seafarers abroad, they decided to choose these Power Wives, who takes care of the whole family when their husbands are away. And since they play the role of both parents when Dad is away, GSK wanted to make sure of their preventive healthcare so they may still be strong and happy, to stand up for their families.

Securing the OFW families' future is important. The future should not only mean financial stability, but also health and wellness among family members. Therefore, the need for health checkups and vaccination becomes more imperative. 

It is important to detect cervical cancer on its first stages since it is a major problem for Filipino women. Did you know that in its early stage, it may have no signs or symptoms? 

Cervical Cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. The human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus, is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. It has been shown that 99.7% of cervical cancer patients are positive for HPV infection. It is also estimated that up to 80% of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives, 

To protect yourself, regular consultations with your OB-Gyne, pap smear and vaccines are readily available. To know more about cervical cancer, you may visit the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube to watch various short films conveying how to protect oneself against vaccine preventable diseases, for early prevention.