Stop Cervical Cancer
Malaya - HPV Screening Access Program
01.
Life-Saving Prevention
– Cervical cancer is highly preventable, with testing acting as a key safety net for cases not covered by the HPV vaccine.
– Screening detects pre-cancerous lesions early, allowing timely treatment to prevent cancer.
02.
Urgency and Current Statistics
– Approximately 600,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in the WHO, leading to over 350,000 deaths yearly
– Progress is slow; only 15 out of 53 countries have screening programs that achieve the 70% coverage target.
03.
WHO "90-70-90"
– 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15.
– 70% of women screened by age 35 and again by 45.
– 90% of women with cervical disease must receive treatment.
04.
Synergy of Vaccination and Testing
– Vaccination alone is insufficient; regular screening is essential for all women, including those vaccinated.
– Testing is crucial as it can detect dangerous changes early, long before potential cancer develops.
05.
Strategic Arguments for Policy Makers
Focus on equity to reach hard-to-access groups and remove barriers to testing.
The Reality
Cervical cancer can often be prevented and detected early through HPV testing—yet many women miss screening due to cost and access barriers.
The Key Barrier
When screening is expensive, women delay testing, which increases the risk of late-stage diagnosis and preventable deaths.
The Solution
Affordable HPV test kits expand access to early detection, especially in low-income and remote communities, and improve long-term health outcomes.