This is in celebration of the Cervical Cancer Consciousness Month.
Dr. Sharlene Tan, Women's Cancer Medical Coordinator of CHO, said during the ISpeak Media Forum on Thursday that free Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid screening (VIA) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is available all-year round in health centers.
“Sa atoang cervical cancer awareness month, naa ta'y mga free Visual inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA). Kani siya all year round ni siya available na service nato sa mga health center. So, kinahanglan lang nila mudoul sa mga health center para mangutana kung kanusa ang mga schedule tapos naa pod mga pipila ka mga barangay nga naga provide og papsmear along with VIA. And also, for prevention, naa tay HPV vaccination for nine years old to 14 years old nga female students nato,” she said.
Tan added that they also hold cervical cancer awareness campaign in schools and barangays and provides free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for females aged nine to 14 years old.
In district health centers, cervical cancer screening is done through visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for women aged 30 to 65 years old.
Meanwhile, in 2025, 10,748 women underwent VIA screening and 1, 402 received Pap Smear test. For the first quarter of 2026, 585 VIA screenings and 411 Pap smears have already been conducted.
She added that early detection is still the best way to prevent the disease because cervical cancer is often asymptomatic, silently developing without warning.
Tan urged Dabawenyas to never hesitate and prioritize early detection by taking advantage of the free services available in their nearest health center.
“Gina invite namo ang mga women nato na muadto sa pinaka doul nga health center to avail sa atoang free VIA screening and if naa moy mga anak or mga pagumangkon nga nine to 14 years old, female, pwede mo mangutana sa mga health center para maka avail sa HPV vaccination. CIO
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