Could Preventable Cervical Cancer Really Claim a Woman's Life Every Two Minutes?
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Synopsis
Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer, a disease that can be prevented and treated. On World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, the UN emphasizes that timely access to vaccinations and screenings is crucial for saving lives. Learn how we can work together to eliminate this preventable disease and protect future generations.
Key Takeaways
- Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable.
- Access to HPV vaccinations and screenings is crucial.
- 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low-income countries.
- Women living with HIV are at a higher risk.
- Collaboration is key to achieving elimination goals.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) A woman succumbs to cervical cancer every two minutes globally—a disease that is both treatable and preventable, according to a statement from the UN on the inaugural World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. This significant day, observed on November 17, was established by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78.8) to promote awareness about the disease and to enhance access to HPV vaccination, effective screening, and treatment services.
“Every two minutes, a woman loses her life to cervical cancer. Access to screening, vaccination, and treatment is essential for eradicating this preventable disease,” the UN stated in a message shared on the social media platform X.
“Cervical cancer is preventable. Beyond vaccination, regular screening and the treatment of pre-cancerous lesions contribute to protection against this cancer,” emphasized the World Health Organization (WHO).
As per WHO statistics, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, with approximately 660,000 new diagnoses and around 350,000 fatalities reported in 2022.
Remarkably, 90% of these deaths occur in the least affluent countries, where access to vaccination, screening, and treatment is limited.
Cervical cancer arises from persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Women living with HIV face a six-fold increased risk of developing cervical cancer compared to their HIV-negative counterparts.
However, cervical cancer can be effectively treated if detected early and managed without delay.
Prophylactic HPV vaccination, along with screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions, represents efficient and cost-effective strategies to avert cervical cancer.
This year’s theme, “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer,” advocates for decisive and collective action to build upon existing achievements and accelerate progress toward the 90-70-90 targets set for 2030.
The goal is to vaccinate 90% of girls against HPV by age 15; ensure 70% of women undergo high-performance screening by ages 35 and 45; and provide treatment for 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease.
Elimination is feasible if we act collaboratively now—ensuring every girl is safeguarded through HPV vaccination and every woman has access to prevention, screening, and care,” stated the WHO.
Point of View
It's imperative to acknowledge the alarming frequency of cervical cancer-related deaths globally. This statistic demands immediate attention and collective action to enhance awareness, improve accessibility to vaccinations, and ensure women receive necessary screenings and treatments. By prioritizing these initiatives, we can significantly reduce the burden of this preventable disease and advocate for the health of women everywhere.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Yes, cervical cancer can be prevented through HPV vaccination, regular screening, and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions.
Who is most at risk for cervical cancer?
Women living with HIV are at a significantly higher risk, facing a six-fold increase in likelihood compared to those without HIV.
What is the goal for cervical cancer elimination by 2030?
The targets include vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15 and screening 70% of women by ages 35 and 45.
How many women die from cervical cancer each year?
Approximately 350,000 women died from cervical cancer in 2022, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women.
