every 2 minutes in the Philippines
It was November 14- Saturday afternoon, my first day of class for my MBA course. I am supposed to be on time for the class at 2:00pm for my marketing management subject, this is just one of my ever favorite major subjects, unfortunately, because of some work related concern that I need to attend to, I arrived late at 2:30pm. Whew!
When I entered the room, everyone was smiling at me, they were already halfway to their “Introduce yourself” activity, and my professor abruptly said, “Are you part of this class?” “Yes” I replied immediately and proceeded to my chair. As I looked around, I felt glad I saw a lot of familiar faces, my goodness! Almost all of my classmates during the first semester were there and I was so excited to mingle with them again. Suddenly, my attention was freeze. That was the moment I looked straight to my professor. And questions running to my head, “why is she wearing a bandana over her head?”” Is she an activist or something?”” Or is this part of her fashion statement?”
And so I listened to her seriously, everything she imparted about the subject, relating them to her own professional experiences, seemed got into my nerve! I don’t understand why. She was just so articulate and knowledgeable with her chosen craft, added with very obvious strength which I couldn’t grasp at that time where it was coming from. She sounded like the woman I always dream of becoming. Few minutes before class ended, she begun sharing why she was covering her head. She had been undergoing chemotherapy as part of her medication for her “CERVICAL CANCER” condition. I was amazed with her total strength and faith while dealing with all the pain and struggles caused by her sickness. Couldn’t help but really think about it again and again, to the point that it pushed me to research more about the said sickness.
The risk of Cervical Cancer is greater than we thought. Worldwide, a woman dies of Cervical Cancer every 2 minutes in the Philippines; Cervical Cancer is the 2nd leading killer cancer for women. Cervical Cancer is a disease that affects the cervix in the female reproductive system. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that connects the upper vagina to the uterus. It is about two inches in length. During childbirth, the cervix dilates, allowing the baby to travel from the uterus to the vagina.
Cervical Cancer is caused by a common virus known as HPV or Human Papilloma Virus. HPV infection is easily transmitted;
Acquisition may be by skin-to-skin genital contact-- penetrative intercourse is not necessary to become infected.
Condom usage may not adequately protect individuals from exposure to HPV
It is estimated that 50-80 percent of women will acquire an HPV infection in their lifetime. Half of these women will be infected with cancer-causing HPV at some point, usually sooner after their first sexual intercourse.
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
In the early stages of cervical cancer, there usually are no symptoms. Cervical cancer symptoms begin to appear as the disease advances, invading deeper into the cervix and surrounding tissue. As the disease progresses, women may experience:
abnormal vaginal bleeding, including post-coital bleeding
heavy vaginal discharge
What are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
One of the main risks for developing cervical cancer is being infected with the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. Other cervical cancer risk factors include having sex at an early age, smoking cigarettes, having multiple sexual partners, and having a weakened immune system.
Keep in mind that risk factors only increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer; they do not guarantee you will develop it.
How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosing cervical cancer is through the Pap smear, a simple test that allows cervical cells to be examined under a microscope. If suspicious cells are found, then a colposcopy is performed. A colposcopy allows a doctor to view the cervix more closely. During the colpsocopy, a cervical biopsy may be done. If the biopsy finds cancerous cells, additional tests will be done to determine the stage of the disease.
How is Cervical Cancer Treated?
Cervical cancer is treated in several ways. The type of cervical cancer and the stage of the disease greatly affects what treatment methods are used.
Cervical cancer may be treated with surgery, such as a hysterectomy. Other forms forms of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Treatment varies from patient to patient. One patient may only have surgery, while another may undergo several types of treatment. It all depends on the type and stage of cervical cancer.
After that first meeting with my professor, I went on vacation for 2 weeks, which means that I was not able to attend her class for 2 sessions. I was just getting updates from my MBA friends via online about their activities on class. I was even warned that I need to catch up fast when I get back because they have already reported and submitted 3 cases.
Just last Saturday, I was 30 minutes earlier than my class schedule with her; I was looking forward to see her new design of bandana or hat over her head. I read 3 cases to prepare my self with her questions. All I was thinking then was to see her again and be inspired! But then, a new male professor entered our room and told us about the sad news, He is now taking over our original professor because She is now on a very bad condition that the school believes she can no longer continue to teach us. That was sad! I wish I had more sessions with her; I was truly inspired by her strength, her faith and her positive outlook in life. Her condition pushed me to be more concern about my health.
A week later after I finish writing this blog, she finally returned in the loving hands of our almighty God. I attended once her wake and was amazed again with the flowers around coming from almost all prominent and powerful people in the city. Even there, you would feel her big contribution in the lives every davaoenous. “May You Rest in Piece Ma’am Omar! And thank you for the inspiration and for the life changing encounter!
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