International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) points out Month of awareness of cervical cancer emphasising the work the world still has to do to eliminate this disease by the end of this century and promoting the opportunities available to achieve this objective. The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which are transmitted by sexual contact and mucous membranes. In 2020, 604 000 women worldwide were diagnosed with cervical cancer and some 342 000 women died from the disease. In doing so, this disease is one of those who can be prevented and can also be treated and cured in good time.
The countries remain only 6 years to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) targets to help eliminate cervical cancer within this ambitious timeframe. Recent research by IARC scientists and partner institutions suggests that these targets will not be met unless countries extend screening programmes, improve the coverage of HPV vaccination and extend access to affordable treatment. If we want to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, all countries must achieve and maintain rates of less than 4 new cervical cancer cases per 100,000 women per year. The achievement of this objective is based on three key pillars and corresponding objectives:
- Vaccination: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine up to 15 years of age
- Screening: 70% of women tested using a high-performance test at age 35 and again at age 45
- Treatment: 90% of women with precancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.
In Slovakia, about 600 women become ill with cervical cancer every year and around 200 women die. Primary prevention is HPV vaccination. In Slovakia, free vaccination with 9-valent vaccine for children between the ages of 12 and 13 has been introduced since May 2022, from December 2023 to the 15th year of life. Secondary prevention is screening. Free screening, i.e. cervical cancer, is intended for women aged 23 to 64. Onco-check consists of taking a test sample for cytological examination. It is performed during a preventive gynaecological examination using a PAP test every three years.
GO ON THE ONCECONTROL IS OK!