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Cervical Cancer Prevention Saves Lives
More than ever, evidence shows that preventive services are critically important to reducing new cancer cases.
In the twenty years since the release of the first vaccines against the cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV), real-world data shows a steady decline in new cases of cervical cancer among those vaccinated. In fact, a new modeling study published in The Lancet suggests that HPV vaccines save more lives per vaccination than any other vaccine in Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s global immunization portfolio. (Lancet original here; Gavi summary here.)
Holistically tackling cervical cancer includes screening and preventive treatment for all adult women as well. Until recently, effective screening could only be done in a healthcare setting, requiring women to undergo a a pap test or visual inspection. Screening every woman is a challenge even in the United States, where 25% of women don’t receive a regular cervical cancer screening, and 60% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer have been screened too infrequently, if ever.
Newer, more effective tests for cancer-causing strains of HPV can determine a women’s risk with a simple swab sample that can often be self-administered, offering privacy and convenience to women and reducing the burden on healthcare providers. And precancerous lesions that can progress to cervical cancer can be removed quickly and safely via targeted heat or cold therapy. Screening and treating early can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
These data continue to underscore what we’ve known for years: if every woman and girl has access to cervical cancer prevention, we can end this preventable cancer. It’s time for decisionmakers to follow the science and invest in women’s health.
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