Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?

Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa-BEM (Student Executive Body) UPH in collaboration with Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) and Yayasan Kanker Indonesia-YKI (Indonesian Cancer Foundation) held a seminar entitled “Cervical Cancer and Prevention” on April 21, 2011 with dr. Adityawati Ganggaiswari, M. BioMed as a speaker.

In Indonesia, 37 women diagnosed with cervical cancer everyday and approximately 20 Indonesian women die because of cervical cancer everyday. Cervical cancer can be a threat to all women regardless of their age.

Cervical cancer is caused by Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) which usually happens without any symptoms in the early phase of  HPV infection and early stage of cervical cancer, so that patients can still live daily activities.

Myth said that cervical cancer could not be prevented. But in fact, now there is HPV vaccination that can be used as a primary prevention of cervical cancer that helps antibodies formed. The vaccination can be started from 10 years old. Whereas the secondary prevention can be done through a pap-smear for early detection.

In addition, according to WHO, as much as 90 percents ? 95 percents of the cancer causes are coming from the environment, such as: diet, obesity, smoking and drinking alcohol, physical activity, and many others. Therefore, cervical cancer can be prevented with a good lifestyle.

The one-hour seminar was held on UPH MYC Multipurpose Room. The first 30 applicants got a Free Papsmear (screening iva). The follow-up of the seminar, the cervical cancer vaccination that will cost Rp. 600.000,- each, will be held in UPH. For further information, please contact UPH Student Executive Body, 5460901 ext. 1331 or 0856268395. (pty)

UPH Media Relations