Reproductive Health Education Urged Amid Rising Cervical Cancer Cases Among PH Youth

A medical expert is urging for the inclusion of reproductive health education in the basic education curriculum as more cases of cervical cancer have been observed among young Filipino patients. Dr. Nelinda Catherine Pangilinan, head of the Specialty Center at Rizal Medical Center, stated that reproductive health education should encompass not only sexual intercourse but also self-care. Pangilinan noted that Filipino patients as young as 20 years old have been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Some of these patients reportedly engaged in sexual intercourse as early as 14 and had three or more sexual partners. She expressed concern, as cervical cancer is typically diagnosed in patients aged 30 and above. Cervical cancer is caused by long-lasting human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Dr. Pangilinan advised the public to undergo regular human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV screening, as well as pap smears, to monitor their reproductive health. She also discussed ovarian cancer, emphasizing that regular screening aids in early detection. Ovarian cancer often lacks early symptoms, with patients typically noticing abdominal swelling in later stages. While not directly secondary to sexual activity, ovarian cancer can be linked to genetics and is commonly seen in women of reproductive age. With the availability of ultrasound procedures, diagnosing ovarian cancer has become easier. However, Dr. Pangilinan highlighted the alarming detection of ovarian cysts or malignancy in girls as young as nine and four years old. Rizal Medical Center is also promoting regular nutritional counseling as a preventive measure. Information Source: GMA News Philippines