Cervical cancer is preventable and curable with early action – UN

The United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have reiterated that cervical cancer is both preventable and curable, especially when detected early and treated promptly, urging countries to strengthen vaccination, screening, and treatment services.

According to the UN, the majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Health experts note that widespread HPV vaccination, combined with regular screening and timely medical intervention, can drastically reduce the incidence and mortality associated with the disease.

WHO’s global strategy on cervical cancer elimination recommends HPV vaccination for girls before the age of 15, routine screening for women starting from age 30, and effective treatment for pre-cancerous lesions as well as early-stage cancers. The strategy aims to make cervical cancer one of the first cancers to be eliminated as a public health problem worldwide.

Despite the availability of effective prevention and treatment tools, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in many low- and middle-income countries, largely due to limited access to healthcare services. The UN stressed that improving access to vaccines, screening programmes, and affordable treatment is critical to closing this gap.

Health authorities also called on governments, healthcare providers, and communities to intensify awareness campaigns, reduce stigma, and encourage women to take advantage of preventive services. Early detection, they emphasized, not only saves lives but also reduces the cost and complexity of treatment.

The UN and WHO reaffirmed their commitment to supporting countries in scaling up cervical cancer prevention and care, describing elimination of the disease as an achievable goal with coordinated global action.