PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called on countries to accelerate efforts to achieve cervical cancer 2030 elimination targets in the Americas, warning that, with only five years remaining, the current pace puts reaching the goals at risk, despite progress in vaccination.
Each year, over 78,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Americas, and more than 40,000 die from the disease.
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.
While this disease is a significant health challenge in our region, the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) wants every resident to know the most important fact: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, provided it is detected early.
Cervical cancer rates in the Caribbean are among the highest in the Americas. CPS recommends a three-tiered approach to eliminating cervical cancer in our community: HPV Vaccination: The First Line of Defense.
Vaccination is most effective when given to girls (and boys) between the ages of nine (9) and 14, before they are exposed to the virus. By vaccinating our youth, we are providing them with lifelong protection against the primary cause of cervical cancer.
Screening is not about looking for cancer; it is about looking for pre-cancerous changes. If these changes are found, they can be treated long before they ever become "cancer." The pap smear is a simple test that looks for abnormal cells in the cervix.
Women should begin regular screening at age 21 (or as advised by their healthcare provider). Don't wait for symptoms as cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. If you wait until you feel pain or notice unusual bleeding, it may be more difficult to treat.
While vaccination and screening are the most powerful tools, overall health plays a role in how our bodies fight infections like HPV. Smoking doubles the risk of developing cervical cancer because it weakens the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infections.
A diet rich in Caribbean fruits and vegetables provides the antioxidants necessary for cellular health. At CPS, our goal is to ensure that no woman in our community suffers from a disease that we have the power to prevent.
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.
CPS advises women who need additional information to contact their physician. Early detection is your best protection. Let us work together to keep the women of the Caribbean healthy, vibrant, and strong.
