Fighting cervical cancer -- with a camera

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/02/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Spreading awareness about cervical cancer, a disease said to claim the lives of 12 Filipinas every day, is close to Jun de Leon's heart.

Doing what he knows best, the master lensman joined the battle against cervical cancer through his photographs of the "Tour of Hope 360: Fighting Cervical Cancer in Full Circle," a 500-kilometer cycling tour from Manila to Baguio held last March.

The event, organized by female anti-cervical cancer coalition Bravehearts, raised nearly P1 million in pledges and sponsorships to further spread the anti-cervical cancer message across the Philippines.

"This advocacy is close to my heart and I've been a staunch supporter of cervical cancer awareness here in the Philippines," de Leon said.

He continued, "I want to showcase the passionate fight of these biker heroes in bringing down cervical cancer deaths here in the country."

De Leon's creations were recently displayed at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City, sharing the message that cervical cancer is easily preventable by vaccination and that early detection will save them from the disease's death sentence.

In his photographs are people from all walks of life who wish to lower the incidence of cervical cancer in the country.

Among them are television host Maricel Laxa, sportscaster and triathlete Tricia Chiongbian, Senator Pia Cayetano and former legislator Ruffy Biazon.

"By empowering Filipinas with information about this disease, we look forward to winning the battle versus cervical cancer," said Abbygale Arenas, Bravehearts representative.

Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer worldwide (the most common is breast cancer), with half a million new cases and 250,000 deaths reported each year.

Of the figure, over 80% occur in developing countries including the Philippines. Every day, 12 Filipinas die of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is typically transmitted through sexual contact. It produces no signs or symptoms in its early stages.

The disease, however, can be prevented by a cervical cancer vaccine, which can be administered to Filipinas aged 10 years old and above.