Early sex increases risk of cervical CA

Cervical cancer is directly related to active sexual activity at early age, said doctors of Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS).

"There is a direct correlation between early sexual debut and cervical cancer since their cervix is not yet developed and that is where the virus will progress," said Dr. Geoffrey Que, POGS spokesperson he said in a media forum last week.

POGS President, Dr. Sonia Santos in the same forum bared that the cervical cancer, second cause of death in the whole Philippines is alarming as the patients are getting younger. Although the POGS has no teenage cervical cancer record, the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) had noted the youngest cervical cancer case at 16 years, where the girl reportedly started having sex at age 10.

Data revealed that teenage pregnancy occurs in 12.8 percent of the population of Dabawenyo youth.

Santos added that POGS already conducted reproductive health education to public high schools and she noted that most of the students are "open" to talk about the reproductive health.

She said however, that she does not know if the same attitude also exists in private high schools since they were only able to visit public schools.

She said that there is nothing wrong with sexual intercourse but one must be prepared physically, mentally, and financially for its outcomes.

POGS has invited teenagers, mothers and all women to avail free services on reproductive health like cervical cancer screening, pre-natal check-up, ultrasound, Human Immunodeficiency Virus testing and information drive today at Palma Gil Elementary School

It will be a whole day activity in line with the International Day of Action for Women's Health which will start 10 am to 3pm.

Cut-off for the registration for free reproductive health screening is only up to 12 o'clock in afternoon.

"We will conduct prenatal for high risk patients especially, teenage groups if you knew someone, you may refer them to credible people to check their situation," she said.

Aside from health services Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) will bring group of lawyers.

"This activity is not only on sexual health but also mental health and legal issue," Santos said.

Joining the IGDD, is also Mutya ng Davao 2018, Shelah Faye Juntilla who advocates cervical cancer awareness for the youth.

She said that she already has a masterlist of schools for the conduct of information dissemination for Grades seven and eight.