3 Jabs to Better Health

My friend's in this healthcare group and emailed me lately about their Cervical Cancer Prevention Seminar.

I have been really busy lately and didn't manage to register for it myself and knowing that she has done it for me, I told myself I shouldn't let my friend down and so dropped by today.

The Seminar was a success. The crowd was good and there were queues for the first vaccination, and for payment.

I'm glad I went. The deal was a good one at $288.30 (plus 7% GST), it is cheaper than what one would have to pay at $600 for the 3 jabs for Cervical Cancer Vaccination. Nonetheless, whether it is $288 or $600, it is still money well spent for health.

Here're some important information on Cervical Cancer and prevention (excerpt from the brochure in the goodie bag):-

1. More than 1 case of cervical cancer is diagnosed in Singapore every 2 days.

2. More than 1 woman dies of cervical cancer every week in Singapore.

3. Cervical cancer is one of the top 5 cancers in women in Singapore.

4. Virtually every woman is at risk of cervical cancer, regardless of their age or lifestyle.

5. Cervical cancer is preventable.

6. Some "high-risk" type of HPV (human papillomavirus) are said to case the development of cervical cancer. Where such HPV persists and are not resolved, it leads to the risk of progression to cervical cancer.

7. HPV is a common virus that is transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact so that it

affects virtually every woman, regardless of age or lifestyle. Transmission can occur even

without penetrative sex.

8. Risk of HPV infection starts from first sexual encounter and lasts throughout a woman's life,

estimated that up to 80% of women will acquire a genital HPV infection in their lifetime.

9. Common way of preventive measure is to go for Pap Smear regularly to identify the

presence of abnormal cells.