New York: The United Nations has reaffirmed that cervical cancer is both preventable and curable, provided women have proper access to screening, vaccination, and treatment. United NationsNew York: The United Nations has reaffirmed that cervical cancer is both preventable and curable, provided women have proper access to screening, vaccination, and treatment.
In a statement, the UN described cervical cancer as the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, stressing that early detection and effective management can save millions of lives.
The organisation highlighted that almost all cases are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a widespread virus transmitted through sexual contact.
The UN urged governments to intensify efforts in HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14, alongside regular cervical screening for women from age 30, or earlier for those living with HIV.
It is noted that when diagnosed early, cervical cancer is among the most successfully treatable forms of cancer.
Global health agencies warned, however, that unequal access to prevention and treatment continues to drive high mortality rates in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia.
The UN called for renewed commitment to the 2030 global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which sets ambitious targets: 90 percent of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70 percent of women screened with high-performance tests by age 35 and again at 45, and 70 percent of women diagnosed to receive timely treatment.
If achieved, the strategy could avert 74 million new cases and prevent 62 million deaths by the year 2120.