The UN spotlights cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide that claims a life every two minutes, as fully preventable and curable through HPV vaccination, early screening from age 30 (25 for HIV+ women), and timely treatment—yet unequal access ravages sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Linked almost entirely to persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) from sexual contact, the disease struck 660,000 women in 2022 per WHO, killing 350,000 despite natural immune clearance in most cases. WHO pushes HPV shots for girls 9-14 pre-sexual activity, with 194 nations targeting 90% vaccination by 15, 70% screening at 35/45, and 74% treatment by 2030 to slash 74M cases and 62M deaths by 2120.
November 17 marks World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day since the 2020 global pledge—early detection makes it one of the most treatable cancers when caught fast.
Leave a comment