Preventable cervical cancer kills a woman every two minutes: UN
New Delhi, Nov 17
One woman worldwide dies every two minutes due to cervical cancer -- a treatable and preventable disease -- said the UN on Monday on the first official World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.
The day -- November 17 -- was designated by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78.8) to raise awareness of the disease, and to expand access to HPV vaccination, high-performance screening, and treatment services.
“Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer. Access to screening, vaccination, and treatment is key to ending this preventable disease,†the UN shared in a post on the social media platform X.
“Cervical cancer can be prevented. In addition to vaccination, regular screening of women and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions protect from cancer,†added the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with around 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths in 2022.
Notably, nine in 10 of these deaths occur in the poorest countries, with inadequate access to vaccination, screening, and treatment.
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women without HIV.
However, cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.
Prophylactic vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions are effective strategies to prevent cervical cancer and are very cost-effective.
The theme this year is “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancerâ€. It calls for bold, united action to build on existing progress and accelerate impact toward the 90-70-90 targets by 2030.
The target is to vaccinate 90 per cent of girls against HPV by age 15; screen 70 per cent of women with a high-performance test by age 35 and again at 45; and provide treatment to 90 per cent of women with cervical disease.
Elimination is within reach if we act now, together -- ensuring every girl is protected through HPV vaccination and every woman has access to prevention, screening, and care,†the WHO said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My mother was diagnosed early and treated successfully. Regular check-ups saved her life. Please don't ignore your health, ladies! Early detection is key. ðŸ™
The cost of HPV vaccine in India is still quite high for many families. Government should include it in the universal immunization program. This could save thousands of lives every year.
We need to break the stigma around women's health issues in our society. Many women feel shy to discuss these matters even with their doctors. Education and awareness campaigns are crucial.
While I appreciate the awareness, I wish the government would allocate more funds for women's healthcare infrastructure. Our primary health centers in villages often lack basic screening facilities.
The 90-70-90 targets by 2030 are ambitious but achievable if we work together. Corporate India should also step up and support vaccination drives in their communities. Every little bit helps!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.