Women from diverse backgrounds gathered for Guard Against HPV’s impactful panel discussion, Her Story, Her Strength: Speaking Up on What We DeCerv organized by MSD in the Philippines.
The event featured compelling stories on health literacy from medical experts, practical insights into everyday preventive measures from influencers, and powerful conversations with advocates and survivors.
Niña Corpuz expertly moderated the event with panelists Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, Liza Sta Maria, Jane Cheng, Aencille Santos, Jessica Tinio, Ivy Bermejo, Belay Fernando, Bea McLelland, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, and Kendra Kramer.
What is HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent virus that can lead to significant health problems, including cervical, genital, and throat cancers, in both men and women. It is often spread unknowingly, as many people are asymptomatic.
Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, an OBGYN, describes it as a “silent pandemic,” noting that “[HPV] is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases.” To combat HPV, she encourages the ABCDV approach: Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condom Use, Doctor Consult, and Vaccination.
Preventing HPV with Awareness
Celebrity mom and women’s health advocate Cheska Garcia-Kramer shares her approach to starting tough conversations about HPV at home with her daughter Kendra: “I know a lot of young girls are more comfortable talking with their peers, and young girls are also comfortable getting information through the internet. But I always remind her [Kendra] that your comfort should be with your mom. Because I love you. I don’t judge you. There are no questions too hard, too difficult, or too embarrassing that you can’t tell me.”
Belay Fernando, former player and coach of the Philippine National Team for Women’s football, and a cancer survivor, reflects on her experience with the early symptoms of cervical cancer: “There were signs, but as Filipinos, as athletes, we were told to be strong. You have to put work ahead [or] this priority ahead. We weren’t really taught or told to prioritize our health or to listen to the signs of our body.”
Bea McLelland, a beauty queen and advocate for cervical cancer prevention, highlights the lack of awareness about the disease: “Nobody really talks about cervical cancer. Not even with my friends, not in schools, not even within the family. They [medical professionals] opened my mind to it and how this is one cancer that can really be prevented with vaccination and early detection.”
Starting Open Conversations on HPV
As part of the media, Jane Kingsu emphasizes the importance of getting the word out “in an easy and comprehensible manner,” especially as people now read less and watch more. She believes everyone has the power to influence others, and as advocates of health, it’s essential to address this proactively.
Multi-hyphenate mom, content creator and law student Jessica Tinio reflects on how attending a previous ‘Di Mo DeCerv’ talk inspired her to “try to research and to read more.” Echoing Jane Kingsu’s emphasis on accessible information, Jessica highlights the importance of dedicating time to reading and research, which she finds pivotal in her journey to prioritize her health while balancing the demands of motherhood.
Aencille Santos, a fitness content creator, believes that health is subjective but emphasizes four key areas to prepare against HPV: “movement, food, mind, and connections.” She stresses that these should be practiced consistently, even in small doses, as part of a daily routine.
People, especially Filipinos, look at health differently. As Ivy Bermejo, a Financial Advisor, highlights, Filipinos often view health as a low priority. She emphasizes the importance of investing in preventive measures, noting, “If you add in the emotional cost, mental stress, financial cost–it makes sense why investing in this is a smart financial decision.”
Why Get Vaccinated Today
Each day, 12 Filipina women die of cervical cancer. Although it is preventable and treatable, this disease claims the lives of 350,000 women globally every year.
Vaccines are proven to prevent HPV infections and significantly reduce cancer risks, making it crucial to expand access to these vaccines beyond traditional healthcare settings. Today, pharmacists are playing an increasingly vital role in this effort, with more becoming immunizing pharmacists trained to administer vaccines.
President of the Philippine Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Liza Sta Maria, explains: “There is what we call pharmacy-based immunization. There are now certain pharmacies that are licensed to give the vaccines. [Through] proper training and certification, they would be able to administer the vaccines.”
So, why should you get vaccinated today? Prioritizing regular screenings and vaccinations is necessary, not only for your personal health but also for the broader public health effort. By taking these proactive measures, you ensure that you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself and support the fight against HPV-related diseases.
Guarantee your health and show that you’re committed to what you DeCerv—make the choice to get screened and vaccinated now. Learn more about HPV and what you can do about it through Guard Against HPV.
