When it comes to the fight against cervical cancer, people are hitting the road to defeat this disease.
With “The Tour of Hope”, a cycling tour event which aims to spread cervical cancer awareness, individuals from different walks of life are rallying to stop the spread of one of the leading women killers here in the country. And with sufficient awareness, surveillance, advocacy and prevention, twelve Filipinas today, tomorrow, and the days to come will be spared from the fatal grip of this female disease.
About Cervical Cancer
- Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer worldwide, with half a million new cases and 250,000 deaths reported each year. Over 80% of cases occur in developing countries including the Philippines.
- Up to 80% of women will have HPV in their lifetime, the virus that causes cervical cancer.
- More than half of the women with cervical cancer will die within 5 years after diagnosis.
- Everyday, 12 Filipina die of cervical cancer. It’s ranked as the second most common female cancer afflicting Filipino women.
- Early Cervical Cancer produces no signs or symptoms.
- The Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, is the cause of cervical cancer.
The Tour of Hope
The Tour of Hope (TTOH) is a non-profit initiative of a group of like-minded people of various backgrounds to set-up bicycle tours in order to increase awareness and raise funds for health prevention and education projects benefiting resource limited communities. The event is a joint project of CIF/CECAP, Bravehearts, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, and in strategic partnership with Team David’s Salon, the Philippine’s first all-women multi-sport team, dedicated in promoting sports and at the same time sharing a passion for health and wellness.
The bikers raised more than half a million pesos thru pledges and sponsorships and all proceeds of the event will be donated to CIF/CECAP for cervical cancer screening services in low resource settings. Eight lectures were conducted in each stop of the tour and more than 1,000 women were informed about cervical cancer and how this disease can be prevented through healthy living, regular screening and vaccination. Meanwhile, an initial number of 50 municipal health workers have been vaccinated using the funds raised from the event.
For 2010, The Tour of Hope’s theme is “The Tour of Hope 360: Fighting Cervical Cancer in Full Circle”. On March 20-24, 2010, hundreds of people from different walks of life will travel in a 500-kilometer cycling tour from Manila to Baguio inspired by the same goal.
Bravehearts
- A non-government organization, Bravehearts is dedicated to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention. Bravehearts is currently supported by a growing number of women, including prominent personalities such as Sen. Loren Legarda, Rina Jimenez David, Ellen Tordesillas, Atty.Gaby Concepcion, Tessa Prieto David, Abbygale Arenas de Leon and Suzi Entrata.
The Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF) for the Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program
- Founded in 2001, the CIF is a non-stock, non-profit organization based in Manila, Philippines which supports the Cancer Institute (CI) of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and its accredited cancer management network institutions with clinical, research, advocacy and financial assistance for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
- This commitment springs from the Foundation’s view that the promotion of health and welfare is a responsibility not of just one but all: that the government, individuals or groups, given a vehicle like the foundation, they will generously share their time, efforts and resources with their fellowmen who are ill but have little means to get well.
- The Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program is one of its major programs which is in collaboration with numerous health organizations, both in the government and private sectors, and other concerned local and international groups all working together to eradicate cervical cancer in the country. The CECAP provides a comprehensive approach in combating this disease, through advocating proper education about healthy lifestyle, providing quality cervical cancer services such as counseling, screening linked to treatment and vaccination and through research.
No comments:
Post a Comment