Cervical cancer deaths drop by 70% in developed nations

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKIYE

Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Görgen, a Gynecological Oncology Specialist at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital, has announced that cervical cancer, one of the most common gynecological cancers globally, is now a preventable disease, with death rates in developed countries having decreased by 50 to 70 percent.

Speaking as part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Görgen emphasized that although this cancer type threatens more than 500,000 women annually—resulting in the loss of nearly half of those lives—it is entirely manageable through modern medicine. He noted that in Turkiye, the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program provides HPV testing every five years for women aged 30 to 65 at specialized centers (KETEM), underscoring the vital role of early intervention in saving lives.

The Silent Development of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is often referred to as a "silent" disease because it can develop over many years without presenting any symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. During this long period, cells in the cervix undergo a series of changes, primarily driven by high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Dr. Görgen explains the biological progression:

"The development of cervical cancer is a slow process that spans several years. During this time, the cervical cells encounter various factors, such as high-risk HPV, which lead to cellular abnormalities. Regular gynecological examinations and Pap smear tests allow us to detect these cellular changes at an early stage. By identifying these lesions before they turn into cancer, we can achieve complete success in treatment with minimal intervention and no harm to the patient."

Dr. Görgen added that while Pap smear and HPV tests can identify high-risk strains, an abnormal cell or a positive HPV result does not automatically mean a patient has cancer. Instead, it signals a need for close monitoring to prevent future malignancy. By combining screening with the HPV vaccine, doctors can now detect or prevent up to 90 percent of cervical cancers during their earliest, most treatable phases.

Global Targets: The WHO 2030 Elimination Strategy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set an ambitious goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, aiming to reduce the incidence to fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women worldwide. To achieve this, the global health community has outlined three critical pillars:

• Vaccination: Ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15.

• Screening: Achieving a 70% screening rate among women using high-performance tests (Smear and HPV tests).

  
  

• Treatment: Ensuring that 90% of women identified with pre-cancerous lesions or invasive cancer receive appropriate medical care.

Prof. Dr. Görgen highlighted that since developed countries made annual smear tests routine for sexually active women, the mortality rate from cervical cancer has plummeted by 50-70 percent. Furthermore, advances in medical technology now allow for "minimal treatments." For younger patients or those wishing to have children, these techniques can preserve the uterus, maintaining the possibility of future pregnancy even after a pre-cancerous diagnosis.

Prevention Through Vaccination and Lifestyle

The primary cause of cervical cancer is the sexually transmitted Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Dr. Hüsnü Görgen stresses that because the virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, monogamy plays a significant role in primary prevention. However, the most effective tool remains the vaccine.

"It is possible to prevent the transmission of the virus by 90 percent thanks to the HPV vaccine," Dr. Görgen stated. "While Pap smears and HPV screenings provide secondary protection, the vaccine offers primary defense. To maximize effectiveness, the HPV vaccine is administered in two doses between the ages of 9 and 15, and in three doses from the age of 15 onwards."

In conclusion, cervical cancer is no longer an inevitable threat. Through the combination of early vaccination for the younger generation and regular screening for adult women, the medical community aims to turn cervical cancer into a rare disease. Prof. Dr. Görgen urges all women to stay informed and participate in national screening programs, as the path to a cancer-free future begins with a single test.

www.wisenewspress.com