25/03/2026
LHMRH Empowers Women with Cervical Cancer Advocacy for Womenโs Month
In a powerful tribute to National Womenโs Month, the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital (LHMRH) Outpatient Department (OPD) and the Public Health and Primary Care Unit (PHPCU) spearheaded a dedicated advocacy session on Cervical Cancer Awareness. The initiative aimed to provide OPD patients with life-saving knowledge regarding reproductive health and preventative care.
The event featured Dr. Maria Rowena Bascos,an OB-Gyne Oncologist, who served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Bascos emphasized that cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable, provided it is detected in its early stages. Her lecture focused on the "three pillars" of elimination: HPV vaccination, regular screening (such as Pap smears or VIA), and timely treatment.
Beyond the clinical facts, the advocacy addressed the importance of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding gynecological check-ups. Dr. Bascos encouraged women to take charge of their bodies, noting that "an informed woman is a protected woman."
By bringing specialized oncological expertise directly to the OPD, LHMRH continues to bridge the gap between high-level medical specialists and the grassroots community. This celebration reaffirms the hospital's commitment to gender-responsive healthcare, ensuring that every woman in the Cordillera has the opportunity to lead a long, healthy and cancer-free life.