FIVE REASONS HOW CERVIQ HELP ERADICATE CERVICAL CANCER IN THE PHILIPPINES
Cervical Cancer in the Philippines is a silent killer. Cervical Cancer is the second leading cancer site among women after breast, with an estimated 7,277 new cases, and 3,807 deaths expected to occur every year [1].
Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy to control cancer. This includes HPV vaccination in young adults and cervical screening in women above 21 years of age.
The value of HPV vaccination can be viewed as EFFECTIVE as Australia, one of the first countries to introduce a national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program, is set to be the FIRST COUNTRY to ELIMINATE or ERADICATE cervical cancer by 2035 [2]. Imagine the thousands of lives saved and the enormous amount of money needed for treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment) compared to the cost of the cervical cancer vaccine. Truly, “An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure”.
If such a national program were to be implemented in the Philippines, it could have saved thousands of lives at an enormous amount of cost. Mandatory vaccination to both sexes ages 10 to 24 years old would require the Philippine government 93 billion pesos to immunize 31 million Filipinos assuming cervical cancer vaccine are bought at Php 3,000 each at 3 doses per individual [3].
Cervical cancer deaths can also be controlled by reducing the incidence and prevalence of the disease by a well-organized screening program detecting and subsequently treating cervical cancer precursors and early lesions [4]. The Phillippines sadly does not have an organized screening program at this time. With the enactment of the Cancer Control bill into law of the Republic Act 11215 or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, improvements are expected in the coming years providing quality health services and financial risk protection to cancer patients [5,6].
Recently, a mobile app CerviQ is set to launch this May in time of the Cervical Cancer Month. CERVIQ enables empowering non-physician professionals (e.g. midwives, nurses), conduct cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and Smartphone cervicography. CERVICOGRAPHY is a diagnostic medical procedure in which a non-physician takes pictures of the cervix and submits them to a physician for interpretation via a digital medium. Images sent are then interpreted by a pool of specialized medical experts with results, medical prescription if needed, or referrals for treatment/workup is sent back to the non-physician for printing, to be handed to the patient. This aims to make cervical cancer screening accessible and available to reach far-flung areas of the country, anywhere at any time.
Learn how CerviQ can help end cervical cancer in the Philippines.
EMPOWERS midwives and nurses conduct Cervical Cancer Screening using D-VIA.
CERVIQ provides a comprehensive step-by-step ONLINE training and tutorial for non-physicians on how to conduct cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid wash and smartphone cervicography. The training modules are carefully selected and reviewed by expert medical practitioners to ensure they receive up-to-date information.
Upon completion of the course, scheduled online exams shall be taken by end users to assess their knowledge and to gain access and receive certification.
EDUCATION of patients through cervical cancer awareness.
Repetitive story-telling of cervical cancer awareness to patients is cumbersome. Chances are the story teller would miss some important points along the way. CERVIQ promotes cervical cancer awareness through standard downloadable educational and illustrative materials aimed at both patients and their families. Certified midwives and nurses are encouraged show to patients along with the family watch videos on the cause, the role of HPV infection, the importance of vaccination and screening toward cervical cancer prevention and eradication of the disease. Patients shall likewise learn how and where to find support and to avail FREE treatments using the app.
EVALUATION through Smartphone Cervicography by Medical Experts.
CERVICOGRAPHY is a diagnostic medical procedure in which a non-physician takes pictures of the cervix and submits them to a physician for interpretation via a digital medium. Images shall be acquired using a recommended smartphone and a specified phone camera setting for uniformity. These are then sent electronically to medical experts using the CERVIQ APP for evaluation and interpretation.
ELECTRONIC Results, Prescription and Referrals
With aid of technology, results can now be secured online. Screening results, the need for a medical prescription (e-Prescription), and/or referral for treatment or additional medical workup (e-Referral) shall be sent back digitally to te midwife or nurse for printing, then given to the patient (TELEHEALTH).
EXTRA stuff and services.
CERVIQ also provides: PUSH NOTIFICATIONS to patients and midwives reminding them automatically of their next visit vis SMS thru our own SMS Gateway; LISTINGS OF NEARBY TREATMENT FACILITY AND CLINICS, both public and private categorized according to the treatment prescribed by the medical experts, and LISTINGS OF SUPPORT GROUPS, like the Philippine Cancer Society, and other Non Civic Organizations.
ECONOMIC Development.
CERVIQ allows remunerations to non-physicians and physicians as a fee-per-service for conducting cervical cancer screening in the community using the app. Fees shall be made affordable for the general public and provide just compensation among players to assure value and continuity. CERVIQ incorporates multiple types of payment gateway systems for ease of payment, money transfer, and withdrawals.
Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable disease yet it is the second most common cancer in women. Through effective cervical screening and active vaccination, we can eradicate Cervical Cancer in the Philippines.
Lets fight to End Cervical Cancer in the Philippines .