This Is Your Sign To Get A Free Cervical Cancer Screening—Here's How To Register

This May marks National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month—a reminder to pay closer attention to something we don't always talk about enough: our reproductive health. Cervical cancer is largely preventable and is most commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), yet it continues to claim the lives of an estimated 12 Filipino women every day.

There are several symptoms linked to the disease, including abnormal vaginal bleeding—especially after sex, between periods, or after menopause, unusual discharge, pain during sex, and pelvic pain. But in many cases, it develops quietly with little to no signs at first. That's why getting screened matters. More than anything, having yourself checked by a professional takes away the guesswork and gives you clarity about your health.

So consider this your official nudge to mark your calendar: on May 8, a free cervical cancer screening drive will be held at the UP Diliman Gender Office in Quezon City and the New Taguig City Hall on Cayetano Boulevard in Taguig City, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The initiative is made possible through a collaboration between the Department of Health, Taguig City Health Office, UP Diliman Gender Office, Women Workers for Health Empowerment Network (WHEN), DOLE Bureau of Working Conditions, and international non-profit organization Jhpiego, under the CLAMS 2 Project.

For interested women, you can easily sign up through this registration link if you want to be screened at the UP Diliman Gender Office, or register online if the New Taguig City Hall is more convenient for you. A QR code is also available for easier scanning. (Pro tip: slots can fill up quickly, so it's best not to wait too long!)

But take note! The screening is open to women aged 30 to 49 who are not pregnant, not on their period on the day itself, have not had a full hysterectomy, and haven't undergone cervical cancer screening in the past three years.

Now, if you're feeling a little nervous about the process, here's what you need to know: traditional screening methods like Pap smears usually involve a healthcare provider collecting a sample from the cervix for testing. It's quick, but yes, it can feel a bit intimidating if it's your first time.

But with this free screening drive, it has a more modern option—HPV DNA testing through self-collection. In simple terms, you'll be given a kit and instructions so you can collect your own sample privately.

If the results show anything that needs a closer look, healthcare providers will guide you every step of the way. This may include a repeat HPV test or a colposcopy, which is a closer examination of the cervix. In some cases, a small biopsy may also be done to check for abnormal or precancerous cells.

If treatment is needed, early and simple options like cryotherapy or LEEP (a procedure that removes abnormal tissue) may be recommended. You may also be asked to come back for regular monitoring or referred to a specialist, depending on your results.

Getting screened might feel like a small step, but it can make a big difference. It helps catch changes early—when they're easiest to treat—and supports better protection for your health. With these kinds of small initiatives, we're getting more and more open in talking about women's health and giving it the attention that it deserves.