 The deaths of thousands of women represent a tragic loss
for millions of their families and friends, and for society
as a whole. But a greater tragedy is that many of these
deaths could be prevented. Whilst we do not have effective
preventive strategies for most other types of cancer, this is
not the case for cervical cancer.
With routine screening and vaccination, we now have the
means to prevent many cancer deaths and greatly reduce the
burden of cervical disease – so why is this not happening?
Why are thousands of women still developing cervical cancer
and millions of young women continuing to run the risk of
preventable cervical disease?
At the root of the problem is lack of information, knowledge,
understanding - and absence of subsequent action – by:
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Young girls and women – who do not know enough about
cervical cancer and its causes, and what they must do to
protect themselves from developing it.
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Health professionals and educators – who often do not know
enough about cervical disease and its cause, prevention and
management – or have the educational tools – to enable
them to advise and help women effectively.
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Policy-makers and the authorities responsible for
allocation of health resources - who may not appreciate the
great individual, medical and economic burden of cervical
cancer and pre-cancerous disease – and the great savings
that can be gained in all these factors by implementation of
effective prevention strategies. |
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