HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Local nonprofit and school organizations wore teal and white during Guam Cancer Care’s “Real Strong Teal Strong” wave Friday at the ITC intersection in Tamuning.
January is recognized nationwide as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and Guam Cancer Care held its second annual Real Strong, Teal Strong Cervical Cancer Awareness Wave.
Representatives from the University of Guam, Guam Cancer Care and even some Guam manåmko’ wore teal and white, waving their balloons and posters, during rush hour Friday at the ITC intersection, peace park and FHP corner in Tamuning.
Tied into this wave is the “Call to Action” campaign, where collaborative efforts among several clinics, such as Guam Seventh-day Adventist and Todu Guam Foundation, push screenings to catch cancer with early detection.
“We’re here to show our warriors, survivors, caretakers and families who may have lost a loved one that they are not alone. They do not fight alone. We are here as a community and we stand together to fight this deadly disease here on island,” said Nona Perez, cancer outreach manager at Guam Cancer Care.
Cervical cancer is ranked among the top five cancers that affect women on island.
“We should learn about cervical cancers because here on our island and other neighboring islands, we don’t really talk about it as much sometimes, and it’s a little taboo to talk about. I think with more awareness about our reproductive system, especially for women and men, to get screened or vaccinated for cancer is very important,” said Tiara Rogers of the UOG Cancer Research Center.
Cervical cancer screening falls under various other screenings, such as prostate, lung and mammogram, Perez said.
“These types of screenings can detect cancer early and, if detected early, the chances of survival is greater,” said Perez.
Cervical cancer is screened through a pap smear as early as the age of 21, Perez said. After three years, another pap smear with HPV code testing is recommended, as well as regular tests every five years after that. However, this may change if cervical cancer runs in the family and may be screened at an earlier age.
“We want to see the same awareness for cervical cancer. This doesn’t end here. We are thinking of other ways of beating other types of cancers that are being screened. Hold on to your seats because Guam Cancer Care is not done,” said Perez.
