As an inspirational figure in the nationwide "For a Vietnam free from the burden of HPV" campaign, Hari Won shared her health journey, hoping to inspire others. She encourages women to be proactive about HPV prevention to avoid potential risks.

Hari Won participates in the nationwide "For a Vietnam free from the burden of HPV" campaign. Photo: Quynh Tran

Hari Won participates in the nationwide "For a Vietnam free from the burden of HPV" campaign. Photo: Quynh Tran

Since the age of 19, Hari Won has had regular gynecological checkups, understanding the importance of reproductive health. At 27, she was terrified to receive a suspected cancer diagnosis. "I wish someone had told me sooner about HPV and related diseases," Hari Won expressed. "Things might have been different."

Throughout her youth, she rarely had serious conversations with family about reproductive health. She was taught to be well-behaved and protect herself, but no one mentioned that HPV could be sexually transmitted and that persistent infection could lead to genital warts, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer. "I thought living a healthy life was enough, so I was bewildered by the cervical cancer diagnosis," she said.

Fortunately, early detection allowed for treatment, but accepting a serious illness was a difficult time. The memory remains vivid. She sometimes felt like it was someone else's story. From then on, she realized that every moment was precious. She became more proactive about regular health checkups and HPV prevention for herself and others. Drawing from her experience, she shares the message "You are the author of your own story" in a video about HPV.

Hari's story inspired many mothers and daughters to be proactive about HPV prevention. Thu Ha (45, Hanoi) shared, "I used to think HPV and related diseases were only a concern for young people. After hearing Hari Won's story, I realized that HPV prevention is important at any age." She added, "Talking to my daughter about HPV became much easier."

Similarly, Ngoc Duyen (40, Ho Chi Minh City) took her daughter for a consultation about HPV prevention. "I realized that staying silent because I thought she was too young was a mistake," Duyen said. Thanks to Hari, Duyen initiated the conversation, and her daughter was receptive. "Now both of us have taken preventive measures against HPV and feel much more at ease," she said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018, a woman died of cervical cancer every two minutes globally.

Globocan estimated that in 2022, Vietnam had over 4,600 new diagnoses of HPV-related cancers and over 2,500 deaths from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable through safe, simple, and inexpensive methods.

"Breaking the silence about HPV is not just about healthcare; it's also a way to connect generations with love," Hari Won shared. She hopes her story will encourage others to start conversations with loved ones about being proactive about prevention for a healthier future.

The Dan - Thi Thao

HPV is the human papillomavirus. HPV infection is extremely common worldwide. Most infections are asymptomatic and clear up on their own, but persistent infection can cause diseases, precancerous lesions, and cancer in both men and women. Individual action is essential to raise awareness about prevention in the community "For a Vietnam free from the burden of HPV." Consult a healthcare professional and learn more about HPV at hpv.vn.