Why Women—and Everyone Else—Are Getting Vaccinated Against HPV

L-R: Liza Sta. Maria, Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, Bea McLelland, Belay Fernando, Kendra Kramer, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Niña Corpuz, Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, Ethel Calma, Jessica Tinio, Ivy Bermejo, and Aencille Santos.

Her Story, Her Strength: Speaking Up on What We DeCerv, an influential panel discussion hosted by MSD in the Philippines by Guard Against HPV, brought together women from various backgrounds. 

Influencers provided insightful advice on simple preventive measures, medical experts shared gripping tales about health literacy, and advocates and survivors led moving discussions. 

Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, Liza Sta Maria, Jane Cheng, Aencille Santos, Jessica Tinio, Ivy Bermejo, Belay Fernando, Bea McLelland, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, and Kendra Kramer were among the panelists that Niña Corpuz skillfully moderated. 

What is HPV

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that can cause serious health issues in both men and women, such as throat, genital, and cervical cancers. Since many people don't have any symptoms, it's frequently spread unintentionally. 

Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, an OBGYN, calls it a "silent pandemic." To combat HPV, she recommends the ABCDV approach: abstinence, be faithful, condom use, doctor consultation, and vaccination.

"[HPV] is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases." ~Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, OBGYN 

Preventing HPV with Awareness

L-R: Panelists include renowned women’s health advocates Belay Fernando, Bea McLelland, Kendra Kramer, and Cheska Garcia-Kramer, with Niña Corpuz as the host.

Celebrity Mom and Women’s Health Advocate Cheska Garcia-Kramer shares her approach to starting tough conversations about HPV at home with her daughter Kendra: 

“I know a lot of young girls are more comfortable talking with their peers, and young girls are also comfortable getting information through the internet. But I always remind her [Kendra] that your comfort should be with your mom. Because I love you. I don’t judge you. There are no questions too hard, too difficult, or too embarrassing that you can’t tell me.” ~Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Celebrity Mom and Women’s Health Advocate

 

Belay Fernando, former player and coach of the Philippine National Team for Women's football, and a cancer survivor, reflects on her experience with the early symptoms of cervical cancer: 

“There were signs, but as Filipinos, as athletes, we were told to be strong. You have to put work ahead [or] this priority ahead. We weren’t really taught or told to prioritize our health or to listen to the signs of our body.” ~Belay Fernando, Former Player and Coach of the Philippine National Team for Women's Football, and a Cancer Survivor

Bea McLelland, a Beauty Queen and Advocate for Cervical Cancer Prevention, highlights the lack of awareness about the disease: 

“Nobody really talks about cervical cancer. Not even with my friends, not in schools, not even within the family. They [medical professionals] opened my mind to it and how this is one cancer that can really be prevented with vaccination and early detection.” ~Bea McLelland, a Beauty Queen and Advocate for Cervical Cancer Preventio

Starting Open Conversations on HPV

Given that people are reading fewer books and watching more videos these days, Jane Kingsu, a member of the media, stresses the significance of spreading the word "in an easy and comprehensible manner." Everyone has the ability to influence other people, and she feels that it is our responsibility as health advocates to take proactive measures to address this.

Jessica Tinio, a multihyphenate mother, content creator, and law student, discusses how going to a prior "Di Mo DeCerv" talk motivated her to “try to research and to read more.” Echoing Jane Kingsu's emphasis on accessible information, Jessica highlights the importance of dedicating time to reading and research, which she finds pivotal in her journey to prioritize her health while balancing the demands of motherhood.

Aencille Santos, a fitness content creator, believes that health is subjective but emphasizes four key areas to prepare against HPV: “movement, food, mind, and connections.” She stresses that these should be practiced consistently, even in small doses, as part of a daily routine. 

People have diverse perspectives on health, particularly Filipinos. Financial advisor Ivy Bermejo points out that Filipinos frequently place little emphasis on their health. She notes that investing in preventative measures is crucial.

“If you add in the emotional cost, mental stress, financial cost–it makes sense why investing in this is a smart financial decision.” ~Ivy Bermejo, Financial Advisor

Why Get Vaccinated Today

“There is what we call pharmacy-based immunization. There are now certain pharmacies that are licensed to give the vaccines. [Through] proper training and certification, they would be able to administer the vaccines.” ~Liza Sta Maria, President of the Philippine Society of Hospital Pharmacists

Why then should you receive a vaccination today? Making routine screenings and vaccinations a priority is essential for both your own health and the larger public health initiative. By being proactive, you can make sure that you're doing everything within your power to safeguard yourself and contribute to the ongoing battle against diseases linked to HPV. 

Make the decision to get checked and immunized right away to protect your health and demonstrate your dedication to what you have to offer. Learn more about HPV and what you can do about it through Guard Against HPV.