PH Embassy in Myanmar conducts cervical cancer awareness webinar

Philippine Chargé d' Affaires to Myanmar Mr. Jan Michael Gomez, welcomes the participants to the webinar in commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. (Yangon PE photo)

YANGON, 31 January 2022 – In observance of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Philippine Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar in cooperation with Aryu International Hospital conducted a webinar entitled Smear, Don't Fear: A Cervical Cancer Awareness Talk on 29 January 2022 and 31 January 2022 via Google Meet.

Filipino women living in Myanmar, as well as Myanmar women, lack awareness on cervical cancer risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. They also do not have sufficient access to routine check-ups that can prevent or lead to the early discovery and treatment of this curable disease. Not many people know that cervical cancer is a common type of cancer that all women are at risk of developing in their lifetime. Because of this, the Embassy partnered with Aryu International Hospital (Aryu) to raise awareness on this common and treatable disease. Screening packages at Aryu International Hospital, which include a pap smear and a CA-125 blood test, were provided to the participants of the webinar. 

In his opening remarks, Philippine Chargé d'Affaires to Myanmar Jan Michael Gomez emphasized the importance of regular screening because early detection of the disease can make it treatable.

The resource person, Dr. Hnin Hnin Aye, is a graduate of the University of Medicine in Myanmar and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. She has worked as an assistant surgeon in Pyinmana General Hospital and Yangon General Hospital prior to becoming a freelance doctor working part time in several private hospitals in Yangon.

Cervical Cancer Awareness gift packages including the Cervical Cancer screening package coupon were given to those who have attended the event. The webinar was attended by 34 Filipino women, two Filipino men and 21 Myanmar women. END

Dr. Hnin Hnin Aye from Aryu International Hospital talks about cervical cancer and the importance of early diagnosis (photo courtesy of Aryu International Hospital)

Dr.  Hnin Hnin Aye discusses with the Filipino participants the different diagnostic tests to detect cervical cancer. (Yangon PE photo)

Group photo with the attendees of the Smear, Don’t Fear webinar. (Yangon PE photo)

Group photo with the Myanmar attendees of the Smear, Don’t Fear webinar. (Yangon PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.yangonpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinMyanmar.