Current Issues
VOL. 74 / Issue No.4 / July-August 2024
EDITORIAL
Primary Prevention in Cervical Cancer-Current status and Way Forward
Author: Madhuri Patel
The effect of cancer in women has varied effects. Overall malignancies of the breast, cervix, and ovary account for over 43% of all cancer cases in India. Globally, cervical cancer is fourth cancer in terms of incidence among women, following breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. However, this illness primarily affects women in India, where it is the second most frequent malignancy after breast cancer. HPV-related cervical cancer is a serious public health issue that has a solution. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer which set targets for three important strategies: HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and treatment. The WHO’s “Best Buys” recommendations for cancer sub-set place vaccination of females between the ages of 9 and 14 at the top of the list. In India, efforts are underway to increase the number of teenage girls receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The nation granted licenses for bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccinations in 2008, and in 2018, a nonavalent vaccine was approved. It is important to keep in mind that the cervical carcinoma vaccination is not a quick fix; thus, screening for the disease should continue. Any nation can potentially significantly lower the incidence of cervical cancer by carefully combining economical, high-coverage vaccinations with well-organized screening programs. Since 9–14 years is the ideal age range before sexual debut in today’s world, this is the key vaccine age range. Estimates of vaccine effectiveness for younger adolescents, those between the ages of 9 and 14 years, varied from roughly 74 to 93%. Let us envision an India of the future where girls grow up with one fewer cancer threatening their life and a place where cervical cancer has been eradicated.
Introduction
Interaction of women with cancer is a complex matter. In addition to being healthy people taking part in cancer prevention and screening programs, women deal with cancer in a variety of ways. These include caring for friends and family after receiving a cancer diagnosis, advocating for patients, working in the medical field, conducting research on the disease, and influencing policy [1]. All spheres of society must take action to end cancer-related suffering, including governments, business, education, healthcare facilities, nonprofit associations for professionals such as FOGSI, IAP, and IMA, and varied communities. Everyone in society can make a difference in the fight against cancer by following cancer prevention strategies, volunteering in their community, and holding executive positions in large corporations. In this setting, women contribute special and vital viewpoints to every conversation, across all societal strata.
The effect of cancer in women has varied effects. Overall malignancies of the breast, cervix, and ovary account for over 43% of all cancer cases in India [2]. Globally, cervical cancer is fourth cancer in terms of incidence among women, following breast, lung, and colorectal cancer [2]. However, this illness primarily affects women in India, where it is the second most frequent malignancy after breast cancer. HPV-related cervical cancer is a serious public health issue that has a solution.
We all know very well that women have the power to bring forth life as child bearers. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer which set targets for three important strategies: HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and treatment. Currently 193 countries, including India, are committed to eliminating cervical cancer. The World Health Organization’s strategy outlines a 90-70-90 triple pillar intervention to be implemented by 2030 with an additional focus on high-quality health care and equitable health care services [3]
- 90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by the age of 15 years;
- 70% of women screened using a high‐performance screening test at the age of 35 and 45 years;
- 90% of women detected with cervical precancer and cancer lesions receive treatment and care.
- With HPV vaccination, we can prevent cervical cancers that can seriously affect woman’s health.
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GUEST EDITORIAL
Cervical Cancer Elimination. 90:70:90.Together We Can
Author: C.N Purandare
Cervical cancer elimination is a global health priority with the ambitious 90:70:90 target set by the WHO. This initiative aims for 90% of girls to be vaccinated against HPV, 70% of women to be screened with a high-performance test, and 90% of those who test positive to receive appropriate treatment by 2030. This editorial reflects on the journey from the initial declaration in 2018 to the present, highlighting the progress, challenges, and future directions in the fight against cervical cancer. With significant contributions from organizations like FIGO and FOGSI, the introduction of cost-effective vaccines and advanced screening methods, we are on a path towards achieving our targets. However, persistent efforts and global collaboration are essential to overcome the remaining hurdles.
Introduction
Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries like India. The journey towards its elimination began in earnest in 2018 at an official side event at the 71st World Health Assembly in Geneva, where we launched a Global Declaration on Cervical Cancer Elimination, aligning FIGO’s expertise and network with the global call to action. This declaration was formally signed by 11,000 OBGYNs worldwide at the FIGO World Congress in Rio de Janeiro.
This targets to encompass the vaccination of 90% of eligible girls, screening 70% of eligible women with high-performance tests at least twice in their lives, and providing treatment to 90% of women who screen positive, including palliative care. The global response was immediate, with 194 countries committing to the strategic plan.
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