Hands up all who recognised what the teal on white ribbon stand for?
I too wasn’t familiar with this colour ribbon. We all know Red is for AIDS Awareness, Pink is for Breast Cancer Awareness, White is for justice… but teal on white?
Its for Cervical Cancer awareness.
Unlike breast cancer awareness which gets the whole month of October dedicated to it, cervical cancer remains pretty much a silent fight. I have heard some public community style radio ads lately about cervical cancer and why women should get tested for cervical cancer. But it is something you hear and then forget.
Whilst not getting as much publicity as breast cancer, cervical cancer is no less important and no less dangerous.
Cervical Cancer develops from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and an early detection of the HPV virus can help reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer. Like breast cancer, an early detection of HPV will mean a greater chance of surviving the disease. There is in fact a specific HPV Test available that promises a 100% detection of the virus and therefore prevention of cervical cancer.
Unlike breast cancer, there is no way we women can check ourselves for unknown lumps or do any home based tests. Cervical cancer is something I never really thought about, and I think its about time, we gave it some thought, don’t you think?
p/s I just noticed my titles are Teal and my background of my site is white! 😀
Lizzie says
June 12, 2008 at 5:35 pmThank u for highlighting such an important issue! Love ur blog very much 🙂
Tine says
June 12, 2008 at 8:20 pmI was thinking of taking the HPV test until all the wedding stuff took over. And when I came to Melbourne, I found out that the govt give free cervical cancer vaccine shots for women aged something to 27. I found out about that a few months before my 28th birthday. ARGH.
Maria says
June 12, 2008 at 11:13 pmhey tine..! i used to live in melbourne and yes,.. i found out about that free cervical cancer vaccine when i already turned 28.. so.. no free for me.. haha..
now i’m thinking to get a shot in here (malaysia). still looking for some infos about this.. any suggestion?
Nikki says
June 13, 2008 at 10:22 amthanks for this info, I didn’t even know there’s such color and what it meant 🙂
Monstro says
June 13, 2008 at 12:34 pmThis is really important, thanks for this PB!
reeka says
June 13, 2008 at 3:58 pmwowww PB….thanks for the article. Well actually I was near to have this vaccine. But some people said u must be below 27 (13-27 is the best range of age) and not active in sexual. So I was pending my intention. I’m married. and 28-29 at that day (30 now!! ouchhh)
is it really useless to have this vaccine if we’ve been active in sexual relationship? I wonder….
Natallie says
June 13, 2008 at 4:14 pmGreat post, you’ve highlighted an important issue among women. I myself never come across that kind of ribbon 🙂 Cervical cancer is the top 2 cancer among Malaysian women (2003) after breast cancer. It is silent just as you mentioned. But, a quick Pap smear is all it takes to detect. And we have vaccine now, although it only blocks 2 types of HPV – 16 & 18. Hmm,i guess better consult a Gynaecologist 😉 Thx PB!
rinnah says
June 13, 2008 at 6:12 pmYou mean there are free cervical cancer vaccine shots wan? I wonder if they have them here in Malaysia…
Victoria says
June 13, 2008 at 6:15 pmYes! It is important to go for Pap Smear at least once a year. Especially nowadays, chances of getting cancer in any parts of our body is very high due to changes in our lifestyles, eating habits and environment & etc.
My friend had recommended me on some products which help reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer.
Cuz my friend use to have a tumour when she was 11. So, she went for operation at 12. It went well, then she had regular check ups every year. Really careful on her diet too. Then at 19, she had 2 tumours. Doctors said it has to be operated immediately. She really in deep depression. As it was bigger than the previous one.
Then at 23, she had another tumour. Doctor said it has to be remove because it’s big. If not, it’ll be dangerous for her. She can’t take it. She don’t even dare to tell her father on this matter. Cuz it’s a burden for her dad too. Then she tried to find some other products at that time in order to help her heal because she doesn’t want to go for operation for the third time, as she haven’t married and give birth. It’s too young for her to go for operation at the same “place” for the third time. So, she tried many products which i’m taking now. I’m scare too…
At the end, before she go for operation, last checkup, doctor said the tumour has reduced to normal. No need to have it operate. She was so happy. I was so glad when i heard that news. It’s really a life-challenge for every women.
I really hope that we take care of our body well especially on our daily diets cuz all the food that we eat has too much chemical which will cause cancer. Sigh… 🙁
Monstro says
June 14, 2008 at 12:18 pmReeka–wonder why you were told that. As far as I know, you have more chances of contracting HPV if you are sexually active. And therefore should be allowed to get the vaccine! And what does age have to do with it? I’m very curious about this now.
Maria says
June 14, 2008 at 5:41 pmi did hear about the age limit thing. but over 28 is still possible to get the shot.
i really want to do it here in malaysia, but not sure where i shud go. can i jz go to hospital and ask? i dont know what the procedure here is.
e-milo says
June 30, 2008 at 3:05 pmhi…thanks for the information.
actually i’m doing some survey on where to get the vaccination in Malaysia.
heard from my friend, who is a pharmacist that it costs around RM1200-1500.
i’m wondering is there any clinics / health centres that offers subsidized vaccination?
i’m seriuosly trying to get myself vaccinated ASAP.
anyone could probably suggest to me how to go about this?
my location is up north, in Penan mainland.
Thanks…
My says
November 9, 2008 at 12:40 pmThank you for your post.
So i want to have HPV test. where can i go to do this test?
My says
November 9, 2008 at 12:43 pmSorry, i forgot. I’m in Melbourne, Australia.
Thanks.
ParisB says
November 9, 2008 at 5:02 pm@My : I’m afraid I’m unfamiliar with Melbourne. You could try checking with your family doctor or regular gynaecologist. Thanks.
Misty says
March 17, 2010 at 8:12 amCervical cancer took my mom’s life. It is vital for all women to teach their daughters, sisters, nieces, granddaughters, and such to get their yearly pap smear. Yes, these examinations are quite personal and can be somewhat uncomfortable, but it is much better than suffering a horribly painful death.
Cindy says
August 25, 2010 at 8:38 amJanuary is Cervical Cancer Awareness month. I am a two time breast cancer survivor and my younger sister was just diagnosed with cervical cancer today. Hers was caused by an HPV. Her daughters and mine have gone through the series of vacines to prevent this from happening to them. We don’t know what the future holds for Mary but we are going to hope and pray for a cure for her.