For many women, health often takes a back seat to the demands of work, family, and everyday responsibilities. Yet advocates and health experts are reminding Filipinas that caring for themselves is not selfish, it is an act of empowerment and an investment in their future.

This message took center stage at the recently concluded Because She Can: Preventive Health for a Thriving Future-A Women’s Health Roundtable, which brought together advocates, personalities, and medical experts to encourage more open conversations around preventive healthcare, cervical cancer prevention, and overall well-being.

Organized by MSD in the Philippines through its Guard Against HPV initiative, the forum provided a safe and relatable space for women to discuss health concerns that are often overlooked or left unspoken. Joining the conversation were content creator and advocate Ayn Bernos, former Miss Universe Philippines MJ Lastimosa, Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma, and obstetrician-gynecologist and cervical cancer prevention advocate Dr. Ada Angela Cabrera, with momfluencer Alexis Tinsay serving as moderator.

“We are gathered here because we need to take care of ourselves. We need to take action and take ownership of our health because we can. We only have one life, and the choices we make for our health will shape the kind of life we intentionally want to live,” said Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, MSD in the Philippines Country Medical Lead, during her welcoming remarks.

Prevention Begins with Awareness and Early Action

The conversation comes at a crucial time as cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Filipino women, claiming the lives of an estimated 12 Filipinas every day. Nearly all cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can affect both women and men. Studies show that 80 to 90 percent of sexually active individuals may acquire HPV infection at least once in their lifetime. 

Despite being largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening, many women continue to delay preventive HPV healthcare due to fear, stigma, misinformation, busy schedules, and concerns around accessibility and affordability. Conversations surrounding women’s reproductive health also remain uncomfortable or unfamiliar for many, making it more difficult to seek information, ask questions, and consult healthcare professionals early.

Dr. Cabrera emphasized that prevention is one of the most powerful investments women can make for their future.

“The younger you are when you receive the vaccine, the better the protection it can provide. But regardless of age, if you are over 45, have not yet been vaccinated, and have the means to do so, getting vaccinated is still worth considering,” said Dr. Cabrera. “It is always better to invest in prevention and protect yourself early, rather than having to deal with the consequences later on.”

The discussion also highlighted that preventive healthcare goes beyond medical appointments alone. It involves becoming more intentional about overall wellness through healthy lifestyle habits, regular screening, vaccination, stress management, and seeking medical guidance before symptoms appear.

Safe Spaces and Open Conversations Can Empower Women

Beyond awareness, speakers underscored the importance of creating judgment-free spaces where women can openly discuss their health concerns and feel empowered to make informed decisions.

For Joy Barcoma, breaking stigma begins with normalizing conversations and becoming a source of support for others.

“I try to normalize these conversations and create an environment where people do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their health. I want to be a safe space for others,” Barcoma shared. “When we create safe spaces, conversations like these can thrive, and prevention becomes not something people fear or blame themselves for, but a healthy practice that we embrace.”

Ayn Bernos echoed the importance of empowering women with accurate information rather than fear.

“Information alone is already a big step forward, and everything else can follow from there,” Bernos said. “Being intentional meant allowing myself to receive the information and education that I needed. In doing so, I realized that this was never something I needed to fear in the first place.”

She added, “The real power lies in taking action. Once you take those steps, you realize that it is not as overwhelming as it seems. We do have control, and we have the ability to influence what happens in our lives.”

Meanwhile, MJ Lastimosa emphasized that investing in one’s health today means protecting one’s future.

“It is not just about how you look physically or what you post on social media. It is also about genuinely taking care of yourself,” she said. “Many diseases develop over time, and the choices we make today can have a lasting impact. Taking care of your future self begins now.”

For Lastimosa, taking charge of one’s health is an ongoing commitment.

Caption: Former Miss Universe Philippines MJ Lastimosa pins her vision for the future. Through its second installment, Because She Can continues to empower Filipinas to prioritize their health and take action early, helping create a future where diseases like cervical cancer are no longer a threat.

“To me, taking charge of my health means understanding that I will always be a work in progress. It is not about fixing one thing and considering the job done,” she said. “I will continue to advocate for myself, seek ways to become better, and share what I learn with my family and friends.”

Ultimately, the roundtable reinforced a simple but powerful reminder: women deserve to prioritize themselves. When equipped with knowledge, supported by their communities, and empowered to act early, they can protect their health and help create a future where diseases like cervical cancer are no longer a threat.

Women are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers to learn more about cervical cancer prevention, HPV vaccination, and recommended screening options. More information is available through Guard Against HPV at guardagainsthpv.ph.