Cervical cancer survivor Belay Fernando, beauty queen and advocate Bea McLelland, and celebrity advocates Cheska Kramer and daughter Kendra Kramer led the discussion on empowering women in the fight against cervical cancer with host Niña Corpuz.
UNDERSCORING the importance of health education and open communication, celebrity mother-and-daughter duo Cheska and Kendra Kramer have introduced their new advocacy focused on cervical cancer awareness and prevention. The pair recently took center stage as panelists at the event “Her Story, Her Strength: Speaking Up on What We DeCerv,” organized by MSD in the Philippines, where they passionately discussed the vital role of family support in fostering awareness and understanding of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is mostly caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of more than 200 related viruses transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. While cervical cancer is one of the only two cancers preventable through vaccination, 12 Filipinas die every day due to the disease. Since HPV can be sexually acquired, there remains a stigma surrounding cervical cancer, which can also contribute to the hesitance to seek medical care, including consultation, screening, and vaccination.
Cheska, known for her role as a devoted mother and influencer, highlighted the significance of creating an environment where mothers and daughters can openly discuss health-related issues. “It is essential that we have open communication with our children,” Cheska shared. “With that open communication, Kendra gets to tell me everything she needs to tell her mom. Intentional Parenting is so important. With intentional parenting, they shouldn’t feel like they can’t come to us and speak to us about everything.”
Kendra, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how these conversations lay the groundwork for continued health awareness. “I’m very grateful that I have a very intentional mom who is always willing to make time for me despite how busy she is with her work. I leave no room for secrets with my mom, I tell her everything, anything I’m feeling. I like having an open communication with my mom,” she added.
Kendra, though still in her teens, has already become an advocate for her generation. She spoke about how these conversations with her mother have made her more aware of the importance of many health-related preventive measures, such as the vaccine for cervical cancer.
Open Family Communication for Better Health Awareness
The Kramers’ advocacy doesn’t stop at their own family. They are using their platform to encourage other families to prioritize health literacy and open communication. During the event, they stressed that cervical cancer prevention is not just a personal responsibility but a collective one that involves the entire family.
“Because all information is now out in the open, I have more conversations with my daughters about diseases like this that happen. We’re open to talking about how we can find ways to prevent it. We remind them to value themselves, value your bodies, take care of your health, abd to listen to your body,” Cheska explained. “When it comes to vaccination, letting them decide when they are ready for things like this should also be considered.”
Kendra added that being part of these conversations has empowered her to take an active role in her health. “If you know that you can prevent something, I think you should take the opportunity. It’s good to start young. I think it’s good we’re taking preventive measures, so we won’t need to worry about it in the future,” she shared.
The Kramers’ advocacy is a testament to the power of family in driving change. By leading by example, Cheska and Kendra are showing that health education is not just about imparting knowledge, but about creating a supportive environment where that knowledge can be shared and acted upon.
“When we know what prevention can do in terms of emotional, financial, and health, it helps us look forward to a better future. Getting informed is a priority. If you’re feeling anything, be brave and go to the doctor,” Cheska emphasized. “Talks like this are important as they make us feel like we’re not alone and that there’s always hope. There is hope when we do something about it, when we take the steps to prevent it.”
Kendra encouraged young girls to be proactive about their health by learning more about cervical cancer and how they can take preventive measures, “I’m glad that I can use my platform to spread awareness on this disease, and it’s good that my followers can see it from account so that they can be more aware and educate themselves on this topic and learn the appropriate preventive measures.”
A United Front for Health Literacy
MSD in the Philipines and panelists share the stage with the ‘Cervical Cancer? ‘Di mo de-CERV’ shield, which represents that prevention is the greatest ally in the battle against cervical cancer and that each one assumes a critical role in protecting women’s health.
The event brought together experts, advocates, and influencers to discuss the pressing issue of cervical cancer awareness and prevention. The event featured discussions on key topics such as health literacy, where experts, including Dr. Stephanie Veneracion and pharmacist Liza Sta. Maria provided accessible insights into cervical cancer prevention.
Liza discussed that HPV vaccination is now available in some pharmacies, making it more accessible for women, “Pharmacists are now allowed to give vaccinations. There are pharmacists that are licensed to give the vaccines with proper training certification. They would be able to administer the vaccine.”
Everyday Choices, the second segment of the discussion, highlighted practical strategies for incorporating disease prevention into daily life, with influencers like Aencille Santos, Jessica Tinio, and Ivy Bermejo, sharing tips on integrating wellness routines into daily routines, including busy schedules and finances.
“Preventive measures in the Philippines range from 3,000 and above for screening and vaccination. Some public health programs even offer free vaccinations,” said financial advisor Ivy. “Early detection treatments are more affordable compared to treating advanced stages of cancer, which can run up to millions of pesos. There’s also still indirect causes like maintenance, after-treatment costs. If you think about it, investing in preventive measures is a smart financial decision as well.”
Finally, the last segment, the Voices of Empowerment discussion, invited cervical cancer advocates like cervical cancer survivor Belay Fernando, who shared her story as she battled the disease, and beauty queen Bea McLelland, who continues to promote cervical cancer awareness to her audiences of all ages.
Belay highlighted the role of a solid support system throughout her treatment, explaining, “Having my family and friends there for me has really helped me survive cervical cancer. They always made sure that someone was with me in every session, like radiation, chemotherapy, they’re always there. For me, beyond getting through treatment, I wanted to make sure that I live a meaningful life and did amazing things after for them because of what they put into my treatment.” She also acknowledged that some women fighting cancer today may not have the same financial and emotional support as her, overemphasizing the need for continued awareness on cervical cancer.
As Cheska and Kendra Kramer continue to champion the cause of cervical cancer prevention, their advocacy serves as a reminder that the strength of family support can be a powerful force in the fight against diseases. Through their efforts, they are not only raising awareness but also inspiring others to take charge of their health and the health of their loved ones.
Now, it’s time for everyone to take action—schedule regular check-ups with your doctor, and ask them about your and your family’s vaccine eligibility. Through these steps, Filipinos can protect themselves and their loved ones, helping to prevent cervical cancer and build a healthier future for all.
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