January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with the aim of raising awareness about this type of cancer and HPV vaccination. This year, the focus will be on ending cervical cancer within a few generations. Cervical cancer is still one of the leading causes of death among women in Suriname with an estimated annual number of 60-70 new cases.
About 80% of these cases are advanced which reduces women’s chances of survival and about 25 – 35 cervical cancer deaths are reported annually. The Ministry of Health in Suriname, with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has developed a National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer 2021-2030 in the fight against cervical cancer in Suriname.
With this plan, the Ministry is taking the lead in a coordinated and integrated approach to cervical cancer as a public health problem in Suriname. So let’s work together to build a healthier community by improving access to HPV vaccination, screening, cervical cancer treatment, and cervical cancer treatment by 2030 and ending cervical cancer within a few generations.
Cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, as long as it is detected early and treated effectively. Cancers diagnosed at a late stage can also be controlled with proper treatment and palliative care. With an integrated approach to prevention, screening and treatment, we can put an end to cervical cancer as a public health problem within a few generations.
In this awareness month, the messages are clear:
• Get informed. Find out the facts about cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes it. Help raise other women in your life too.
• Get screened. Cervical cancer screening usually begins at age 30 and is repeated periodically. Ask your doctor to get you screened.
• Have your (daughter) vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses that should start when a girl is between 9 and 14 years old.
Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina). Almost all cases of cervical cancer (99%) are related to infection with the high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a very common virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. While most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, a persistent infection in women can cause cervical cancer.
