Ministry of Health and Wellness targeting cervical cancer
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has launched a series of initiatives which are aimed at raising awareness and increasing screening rates to combat cervical cancer, which is the third most common cancer among Jamaican women.
The initiatives include intensified screening efforts at health centres, community health fairs, and corporate wellness programmes. Live interactive sessions are also being planned for the ministry’s Instagram page, where information will be provided by experts, who will address questions about screening and vaccination. The activities are being staged throughout April, which is being observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr Gail Evering-Kerr, programme development officer – cancer, in the Non-Communicable Diseases and
Injury Prevention Unit at the MOHW, told the Jamaica Information Service that statistics underscore the urgent need for action, which she says can be effective with concerted efforts.
“Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection. However, the good news is that cervical cancer is preventable and curable,” said Evering-Kerr.
She highlighted Jamaica’s 90/70/90 target, which is to ensure that 90 per cent of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15; encouraging 70 per cent of women to undergo screening by ages 35 and 45, and providing prompt treatment for 90 per cent of women diagnosed with abnormal cells or cancer.
“Our focus is on raising awareness and increasing screening rates. We
want everyone to know that through vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment, we can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern,” said Evering-Kerr.