PHILIPSBURG(DCOMM):--- The 78th World Health Assembly designated Monday, November 17, World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. It is the first official World Health Day dedicated to eliminating cancer.
The Day builds on a global movement that began on 17 November 2020, when 194 countries collectively committed to eliminate a cancer for the first time and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a Global Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection.
The cancer typically develops very slowly, often beginning as pre-cancerous cell changes (known as dysplasia) that, if left undetected and untreated, can take many years to progress into invasive cancer. This slow progression is what makes routine screening so effective.
The great news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when caught early.
Prevention is primarily achieved through the HPV vaccine, which protects against the strains of the virus most likely to cause cancer. Early detection relies on regular cervical cancer screening, which includes the Pap smear (to look for pre-cancerous cell changes) and the HPV test.
When these screenings are performed routinely, abnormal cells can be found and removed before they ever become cancer, making the prognosis for women who participate in regular screenings excellent.
The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) says this year’s observance, is under the theme “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer.”
The WHO calls for bold, united action to build on existing progress and accelerate impact toward the 90-70-90 targets by 2030 where: 90% of girls would be vaccinated against HPV by age 15; 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again at 45; and 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment.
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.
CPS advises women who need additional information to contact their physician.
