An Introduction to Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay and FAQ 1

Welcome to Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay

Cervical cancer has consistently remained the second most prevalent cancer among Filipino women since the 1970s, posing a significant health challenge. Despite being largely preventable, this disease tragically claims the lives of approximately 12 women every day. This concerning reality can be attributed, at least in part, to a lack of awareness and insufficient cervical cancer screening coverage, which currently stands at a mere 1% among women aged 30 to 49 years, as reported by the WHO.

An Introduction to Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay and FAQ 2

To address this pressing issue and boost screening coverage, CerviQ, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of South San Francisco (USA) District 5150 and the Cancer Coalition Philippines, will embark on a year-long initiative dedicated to promoting cancer awareness and providing cervical screenings directly to communities, including remote areas across the Philippines. Our mobile screening initiative will traverse various communities, ensuring access to screening services for all.

Our inaugural project will commence on February 26, graciously hosted by DZRH and the Rotary Club of Malate Prime. kindly check our upcoming schedule below.

However, we recognize that such endeavors cannot be accomplished in isolation. Therefore, we are actively seeking screening partners to host our upcoming campaigns in their respective communities and provide support for transportation, food, screening consumables, and stipends for our device operators, administrative staff, and screeners.

Furthermore, we welcome any form of donation to ensure the sustainability of our efforts, covering expenses such as machine wear and tear, as well as artificial intelligence software licenses.

For more information or to become a screening partner or donor, please reach out to us via mobile, Viber, or WhatsApp at 0917.544.2770, or email us at bogsrivera@endcervicalcancerph.com

Together, let’s make strides toward a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat to Filipino women’s health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay?

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the Philippines. Shockingly, despite being highly preventable, 12 Filipino women still lose their lives to this disease every day.

Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay is an initiative that aims to raise awareness about cervical cancer and promote cervical cancer screening. The ultimate goal is to encourage early detection of precancerous lesions, increase cancer prevention, and reduce the number of cervical cancer cases, ultimately saving women’s lives.

Cervical cancer screening is a preventive healthcare measure aimed at detecting abnormalities in the cells of the cervix before they progress into cervical cancer. The screening process typically involves collecting cells from the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. These cells are then examined under a microscope to identify any signs of pre-cancerous changes or early-stage cervical cancer. The main goal of cervical cancer screening is to detect abnormalities early, when they are most treatable, thereby reducing the risk of developing invasive cervical cancer.

Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay Cervical Cancer Screening Approaches

(1.) HPV DNA Testing: This screening method is the recommended screening modality and involves testing for the presence of high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV DNA testing can be performed alone or in conjunction with a Pap smear to provide a more comprehensive assessment of cervical cancer risk.

 The cost of this type of screening at Hi -Precision (2023) is Php 5,800 pesos test only not inclusive of professional fees. 

(2.) Pap Smear (Pap Test): During a Pap smear, a healthcare provider collects cells from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. These cells are then sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope to detect any abnormalities in their structure or appearance.

(3.) Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA).  These are low-cost and simple screening methods that involve applying acetic acid to the cervix and visually inspecting it for any abnormalities or changes indicative of cervical cancer or pre-cancerous lesions. These methods are particularly useful in resource-limited settings where access to more sophisticated screening tools may be limited.

The primary cervical screening approach in the Philippines is Visual inspection with Acetic Acid. We utilize this approach and use a colposcope device aimed to magnify and take a photo of the cervix to make more accurate evaluations. Additionally, we employ artificial intelligence to assist doctors in providing better results.”

Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay Philippine Primary screening Test VIA
Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay VIA with Colposcope

 A colposcope provides clearer visual magnification compared to standard VIA, resulting in better accuracy in cervical evaluations.

Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay Magnification

 In addition, artificial intelligence algorithms can assist healthcare professionals in making more accurate diagnoses by analyzing medical images. These AI-powered diagnostic tools can reduce errors and enhance diagnostic accuracy, particularly in complex or ambiguous cases. 

Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay Artificial Intelligence

Standard VIA is documented by drawing on paper what was seen by the operator (paper held by a woman on the left), while our results provide actual cervical images that can be given to patients in digital or printable form.

Silip Cervix Sagip Buhay Documentation

In addressing the pressing issue of low cervical cancer screening coverage in the Philippines, employing a colposcope alongside AI technology offers several distinct advantages over conventional screening methods. Here’s why this approach stands out:

Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency:
By integrating AI algorithms with colposcopic examinations, the accuracy and efficiency of cervical cancer screenings are significantly augmented. AI-powered systems can analyze colposcopic images with remarkable precision, aiding healthcare providers in detecting subtle abnormalities or precancerous lesions that may be missed by conventional methods. This leads to more reliable diagnoses and reduces the likelihood of false-negative results.

Increased Accessibility and Coverage:
Mobile delivery of awareness and screening services brings cervical cancer screening directly to communities, overcoming barriers such as geographical distance and lack of facilities. By leveraging colposcopes equipped with AI capabilities, healthcare providers can conduct screenings efficiently in remote or underserved areas, maximizing resources and reaching a larger segment of the population.

Empowerment of Local Healthcare Workers:
Capacity building initiatives empower local barangay health workers, midwives, and nurses with technical skills in cervical cancer awareness and screening. By training these frontline healthcare professionals to utilize colposcopes alongside AI technology, screening services can be decentralized and made more accessible at the community level. This not only enhances screening coverage but also fosters sustainability by leveraging existing healthcare infrastructure and human resources.

Streamlined Evaluation Process:
Integrating telemedicine remote reading or AI-based cervical evaluation and diagnosis simplifies the evaluation process for healthcare providers. Colposcopic images can be securely transmitted to off-site specialists or AI systems for rapid analysis, reducing the burden on doctors and maximizing their time. This facilitates prompt assessment and ensures timely provision of screening results to patients, enhancing overall efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Immediate Results and Referral:
With AI-enabled colposcopes, screening results can be provided to patients on the same day, either in printable, digital, or both formats. This immediate feedback not only alleviates patient anxiety but also facilitates timely referral for further evaluation or treatment if abnormalities are detected. By seamlessly sharing patient files with medical specialists, referrals can be made promptly, ensuring continuity of care and improving patient outcomes.

Long-term Data Management and Analysis:
AI-driven colposcopes facilitate the creation of a reservoir of patient results for future comparison and analysis. This longitudinal data repository enables healthcare providers to track changes in patients’ cervical health over time, identify trends, and assess the effectiveness of screening and treatment interventions. Such data-driven insights support evidence-based decision-making and quality improvement efforts in cervical cancer prevention and management.

In summary, combining colposcopes with AI technology represents a transformative approach to cervical cancer screening, offering unparalleled accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency. By leveraging these advancements, we can overcome barriers to screening, empower local healthcare providers, and ultimately save lives by detecting cervical abnormalities early and ensuring timely intervention and treatment.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE?
Women who are 25 to 55 years old, who have a history of sexual penetration, with an intact uterus (no removal of the uterus through surgery), and who are not menstruating at the time of examination.

REQUIREMENTS PRIOR SIGN-UP?
To all patients, please ensure that you need to register online and have an active email address as we will be sending your results through this platform. Additionally, kindly provide us with your mobile number so we can inform you in case the scheduled screening in your area is cancelled. 

HOW DO I REGISTER?
Watch the video below down to the end.

HOW TO REGISTER VIDEO SCHEDULE A SCREENING Message Us FOR YOUR QUERIES

A cervical awareness lecture will be conducted, and patients must sign an informed consent form prior the screening. Patients will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis, and walk-ins are not allowed. On average, we can finish 5 patients per hour.