Cervical cancer continues to pose a major global health threat, claiming the life of a woman every two minutes, according to the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO). Health experts stress that the disease is largely preventable and treatable if detected early, yet thousands of women continue to die each year due to lack of awareness, screening, and timely treatment.
Persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV is commonly transmitted through sexual contact, and in many women, the infection can persist and lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Because early-stage cervical cancer often has no noticeable symptoms, routine screening is essential for detecting abnormalities before they develop into invasive cancer.
Several types of tests are available for cervical cancer screening. The Pap smear has long been the standard method, while HPV testing can detect high-risk virus types even before abnormal cells appear. In low-resource settings, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is also used as an effective screening tool. Experts emphasize that screening is not just a diagnostic step but a preventive one, as it allows abnormal cells to be treated before cancer develops.
The WHO has outlined an ambitious global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. The targets include vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15, screening 70% of women with high-performance tests by ages 35 and 45, and ensuring treatment for 90% of women diagnosed with pre-cancer or cervical cancer.
Health authorities also highlight that HPV vaccination is a critical preventive measure. When combined with regular screening, vaccination can dramatically reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Women of all ages are encouraged to discuss their screening schedule with healthcare providers and not to wait for symptoms, as early detection significantly increases survival rates.
By raising awareness, promoting vaccination, and expanding access to regular screening, experts say it is possible to drastically reduce cervical cancer deaths and move toward elimination of the disease as a public health concern worldwide.
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