In an interview on the program Expert's Opinion, Dr. Erwin De Mesa, an OB-GYN from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), stated that cervical cancer can develop from HPV infection.

“Ang cervical cancer, bago maging cancer itself, ay nag-uumpisa muna doon sa infection na tinatawag natin na Human Papillomavirus,” Dr. De Mesa explained.

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is commonly transmitted through sexual contact.

“So, it will take, on average, 10 to 15 years bago siya maging full-blown cancer. At pag ito ay naging cancer na, doon siya nagkakaroon ng sintomas,” he expressed.

He also encouraged Filipinas to undergo screening and regular check-ups to prevent complications and detect early signs of the disease.

“The World Health Organization recommends at 30 years old. Lahat ng babae ay pupunta, magpapasuri sa kanilang gynecologist para magawa yung tinatawag na screening,” he added.

De Mesa also encouraged vaccination against HPV, saying children as young as nine years old should receive the vaccine to have protection at an earlier age.

He said, “Pagka 9 to 14 years old, kailangan silang tumanggap ng dalawang doses ng bakuna. Pag 15 years old pataas, puwede pa rin tumanggap ang lahat ng babae at lalaki, kaya lang, kinakailangan [ang] tatlong doses na ito sa loob ng anim na buwan o sa loob ng isang taon.”

He reminded the public that prevention and early detection remain the best defenses against cervical cancer, as twelve Filipinas die every day from the disease, making it the second most common cancer among women in the Philippines.

“Huwag na po natin hintayin na magkaroon tayo ng sakit. Mas magastos, at walang kasiguraduhan na tayo’y laging makaka-survive. So, ang health po ay dapat binibigyan natin ng importance.”