The Department of Health – Western Visayas called on the public on Friday, May 16, to stay informed and proactive in preventing cervical cancer and hypertension.
The DOH issued the call as the nation marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and Hypertension Awareness Month this May.
Cervical cancer remains a public health concern of importance, especially among women in Western Visayas, the DOH said in a press statement.
Most cases are caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), it said.
In 2024, the region recorded a total of 10,791 (0.44 percent) women screened and 520 (4.82 percent) turned out to be either positive for precancerous lesion or suspicious for cervical cancer cases, the DOH said.
Cervical cancer can be prevented through routine screening and vaccination, the DOH stressed.
The World Health Organization said symptoms may include unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse, and increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Other symptoms are persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis, weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort, and swelling in the legs.
The DOH WV reminds women aged 30–65 to undergo regular Pap smears or HPV tests, both of which are available through government health facilities.
The HPV vaccination is available for girls aged 9 to 14 under the DOH’s School-Based Immunization Program and through
primary care facilities, the DOH said.
HYPERTENSION: SILENT KILLER
Hypertension or high blood pressure, is one of the leading causes of heart diseases, stroke, and kidney failures, the DOH also said.
In 2024, Western Visayas was able to identify 274,799 (17.21 percent) hypertensive individuals from the population of 20 years and above, and as of the first quarter of 2025 a total of 35,604 (16.73 percent) hypertensive individuals have already been identified.
The World Health Organization states that people with very high blood pressure (usually 180/120 or higher) can experience symptoms including severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision or other vision changes, anxiety, confusion, buzzing in the ears, nosebleeds, and abnormal heart rhythm.
The DOH urges all adults, especially those over 40 or with a family history of hypertension, to monitor their blood pressure regularly.
Public health centers offer free blood pressure checks, medical consultations, and maintenance medications under the DOH Hypertension and Diabetes Club program, the DOH said.
The DOH said prevent and manage hypertension one must:
● Limit salt and processed food intake;
● Conduct daily physical activity;
● Avoid smoking and limit alcohol; and
● Manage stress and maintain healthy weight.*