OPS launches a campaign to prevent cervical cancer

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a communication campaign to prevent cervical cancer, which kills more than 34,000 women each year in the Americas, including the Caribbean.

The OPS describes the disease as one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in 23 countries in the region.

The campaign "It's Time to End Cervical Cancer" aims to inform health providers and give women and girls health information about how to prevent this disease, diagnosed in approximately 72,000 women each year.

Under the slogan "Do not let cervix cancer stop you", the campaign provides information, materials and information on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, cause of cervical cancer and screening methods. of cervical cancer, to encourage women to have regular examinations for the early detection of precancerous lesions.

PAHO stated that the ultimate goal is to mobilize health care providers, women and girls, to seek preventive care and prevent cervical cancer from women to realize their full potential in life.

"By learning about cervical cancer and how to prevent it, we can help women lead healthy, productive lives," said Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Health. mental health of OPS.

"We have the tools to prevent cervical cancer from posing a threat to the health and well-being of women, their families and their communities."

The OPS said that cervical cancer could be prevented by HPV vaccination and by screening. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 and is available in 35 countries and territories in the region. However, in most countries, the HPV vaccination coverage rate with the two recommended doses has not yet reached 80% of the target population.

In addition to providing information on vaccination against cervical cancer, the campaign also aims to raise public awareness of cervical cancer screening, which is primarily recommended for women aged 30 to 49 years. An estimated 32 million women in the region are eligible for screening for cervical cancer, which, together with treatment, can save lives.

The web campaign includes a section for health professionals, which contains guides, fact sheets, answers to frequently asked questions, as well as a free online course, all aimed at strengthening the knowledge and improve vaccination against HPV and cervical cancer screening.

In September, the Health Ministers of the Americas approved, at the PAHO Directing Council meeting, a plan to reduce by one third cervical cancer in the region of Africa. 39, here 2030.

To this end, the plan aims to strengthen primary prevention through HPV information and education and vaccination, improve screening and treatment of cervical cancer and the treatment of precancerous lesions. and to strengthen access to cancer diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.