On May 25, 2025, Parqal in Parañaque City became a sea of sneakers and energy as people of all ages came together for the “Run Against Cervical Cancer” — a fun and meaningful event that brought awareness to an important health issue.
#GuardUpRaceStrong
Organized by MSD Philippines in partnership with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), this event was part of the nationwide efforts for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The event had 3K and 5K race categories the run welcomed runners of all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.
But this wasn’t just about running; the goal was to rally the community behind a shared mission to eliminate cervical cancer through prevention and early detection.
Before and after the race, had the chance to learn more about cervical cancer — how it happens, how to prevent it, and why regular check-ups and vaccination matter. Health booths, informational materials, and volunteers were present to provide answers and encourage people to take charge of their well-being.
What made the event even more special was the diversity of participants. Families, friends, solo runners, children, and even seniors joined the movement, showing that anyone can be part of the fight. It was a strong reminder that health awareness is for everyone, regardless of age or background.
During the event, President and Managing director of MSD Andreas Riedel shared his message for everyone:
Cervical Cancer Prevention is Possible
The best way to prevent cervical cancer is through vaccination. The most common cause of cervical cancer is through HPV, and the cervical cancer vaccine can prevent you from catching HPV in the first place.
Here are some important things to know:
- The HPV vaccine can be given to boys and girls as young as 9 years old. However, the most common age for vaccination is 11 or 12 years old. That is before they become sexually active.
- For those who’ll get the vaccine before their 15th birthday, there will be two doses which are 6 to 12 months apart.
- For those who’ll get vaccinated after their 15th birthday, there will be three doses.
- Women can get the vaccine up to the age of 26 years old. This is when the vaccine is most beneficial.
- When they reach 27 years old, the vaccine may lose some of its benefits due to several reasons. One of those reasons is that women may have already been exposed to several types of HPV at that age.
- Still, women aged 27 -45 years old can talk to their doctor about the possibility of getting vaccinated.
Getting vaccinated against HPV can definitely help with preventing cervical cancer. However, please remember that the vaccine can only prevent future infections – it will not treat existing HPV infections.
Aside from getting vaccinated, screening tests can also be used to prevent cervical cancer. Two types of tests could potentially prevent HPV infection from turning into cancer of the cervix.
- HPV Test. In HPV testing, the doctor will collect sample cells from the woman’s cervix. They will then send the samples to the laboratory to check for the presence of HPV strains that could be linked to cervical cancer. Typically, the presence of the virus will cause some changes in the cervical cells.
- Pap Smear. Pap smear follows a similar process as that of an HPV test, in the sense that cervical cells will be taken from the woman. The only difference is, instead of looking for HPV, the doctors will look for abnormal cell changes or pre-cancer cells.
There’s another test called VIA or visual inspection with acetic acid. In this test, the healthcare provider will expose the cervix to diluted acetic acid or vinegar. Abnormal cervical tissues will temporarily appear white when exposed to vinegar. However, this is not a go-to test, especially if HPV testing and Pap test are available.
Guidelines for HPV and Pap Smear
- By the age of 21, women should undergo a Pap smear upon the advice of a doctor.
- If the result is negative, the doctor may ask for another Pap smear screening after 3 years.
- When a woman reaches 30 years old, she’ll have the option to: a) have a Pap test every 3 years, b) have co-testing of HPV and Pap smear every 5 years, and c) undergo HPV test every 5 years.
- After the age of 65, women who’ve had adequate screening and are not at a heightened risk can stop screening. Women who had hysterectomy with removal of cervix also do not need to continue screening unless they had a history of high-grade precancerous lesions.
Practice Safe Sex
Since women can contract HPV through sexual activities, experts highly recommended safe sex practices. Women could:
- Maintain sexual relations with only one partner. Research shows that people with multiple sexual partners have a heightened risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Use condoms during penetrative sex. Since women can get HPV through sex, using a condom may reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
- Remember that the HPV virus is not just transmitted through penetrative sex. Women can get it from any type of sexual activities, including skin-to-skin contact of genitals, use of sex toys and oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
- Finally, she must avoid having sexual intercourse with people who have obvious signs of sexually transmitted infections, like genital warts.
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