Women in Negros Oriental, Rizal, Mandaluyong get free pap smear, breast exam through GMA Kapuso Foundation

Women from the provinces of Negros Oriental and Rizal, as well as Mandaluyong in Metro Manila received free pap smears and breast examinations from GMA Kapuso Foundation this International Women's Month.

According to "24 Oras" Wednesday, among the beneficiaries of the initiative include Aileen Insipido of Canlaon in Negros Oriental whose harvest was ruined due to ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano.

"Malaki ang aming kawalan, 'yung mga pananim namin ay nasira, pati 'yung mga hayop namin namamatay," she said.

More than 100 farmers and kakanin vendors in Canlaon also received free pap smears and breast exams. The GMA Kapuso Foundation also distributed hygiene kits in the area.

"The breast self-examination is a good screening tool in the detection of breast cancer. This is sually done every month or a few days before your menstruation. Pap smear is a screening tool for cervical cancer," said Hannah Sarita Vicoy, RMT, MD, Medical Officer III, Negros Oriental.

The foundation also organized the initiative in Cardona, Rizal which benefitted 120 individuals comprising fish smokers (magtitinapa) and fish cleaners (maghihinain).

A total of 100 inmates at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong also received free pap smears, breast examinations, and hygiene kits this Women's Month from the foundation.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News