MARCH 5, 2012 DATE

NR # 2699
REF. NO.

Solons push for intensive information drive vs. gynecologic cancer

Lawmakers are pushing for an intensive information drive about gynecologic cancer in light of the big number of women who are less informed about this group of cancers. Reps. Mariano Michael Velarde Jr. and William Irwin Tieng (Party-list, Buhay), authors of House Bill 5676, have expressed concern over a study which showed that nearly half of women surveyed were neither aware of the risk factors for gynecologic cancer nor could they name a single symptom. Citing the report of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), Velarde said thousands of women in the Philippines are diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer each year and it is estimated that about one-third of them will succumb to their diseases. Velarde said gynecologic cancer is cancer of the female reproductive system which includes ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and vulvar cancer. The bill mandates the Department of Health (DOH) to establish a gynecologic cancer public education and awareness campaign to inform the general public about the clinical significance of gynecologic cancer and its public health implications. Tieng said the information drive will include awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, need for early detection and methods of treatment associated with gynecological cancer. Under the bill, the DOH Secretary is tasked to provide for the development of printed educational materials and public service announcements in English and Filipino. Likewise, it is the function of the DOH Secretary to disseminate information for distribution through such appropriate entities, including, but not limited to local health agencies and clinics, physicians, health care facilities, pharmacies, libraries, senior citizen centers and other community-based outreach programs and organizations. Posting such information on the official Internet website of the DOH is also one of the responsibilities of the head of the health agency. Tieng said the State playing an active role in promoting awareness with regard to gynecologic cancer, will be giving Filipino women the information necessary to help them have a better chance of survival. (30) mvip