New Delhi, November 17 (IANS). Globally, every two minutes a woman dies of cervical cancer, even though this disease is preventable. The United Nations gave this information on the occasion of World Cervical Cancer Eradication Day (17 November).
The purpose of this day is to increase awareness among people about the disease and promote HPV vaccination, better testing facilities and treatment.
The United Nations said a woman dies from the disease every two minutes, so access to testing, vaccination and treatment is vital. According to the World Health Organization, along with vaccination, regular screening of women and treatment of wounds in the early stages helps in preventing cancer.
According to WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. About 6.60 lakh new cases and about 3.50 lakh deaths were recorded in the year 2022. Most of these deaths occur in poor countries, where vaccination and testing facilities are limited.
This cancer is caused by prolonged persistence of the HPV virus. The risk of this cancer is six times higher in women living with HIV. However, if the disease is detected in time and treatment is started immediately, it can be completely cured.
Vaccination against HPV and early detection and treatment of lesions are the most effective and cost-effective ways to prevent cancer.
This year’s theme is Act Now: End Cervical Cancer. The goal is to meet three key objectives by 2030: HPV vaccination of 90 percent of girls by age 15, screening of 70 percent of women between 35 and 45 years of age, and treatment of 90 percent of women with the disease.
WHO said that if we all take action together now, it is possible to eliminate this disease. Every girl should get vaccination and every woman should get testing and treatment facilities.
–IANS
AS/