Government launches action to eliminate cases of cervical cancer

The Ministry of Health launched this Wednesday (22) a strategy to eliminate cases of cervical cancer in the country. The disease is the fourth most common type of cancer among women and kills, on average, 6,000 Brazilians a year. The measure provides for actions to reduce cases, prevention, vaccination and inclusion of molecular testing (PCR) for the detection of HPV, the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer, in the Unified Health System (SUS). Recommended by the World Health Organization, the test more precisely identifies the presence of the virus and, with that, it will be possible to expand the screening of the disease in the female population between 25 and 64 years old and reduce severe cases and deaths. Currently, the diagnosis is made in the public health network by means of the papanicolau test. According to ministry guidelines, if the PCR test is positive, the patient must undergo cytological examination (papanicolaou) and treatment. If not, the PCR must be repeated in five years. “We are going to protect women, along with the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening”, said Minister Nísia Trindade, when announcing the action, in Recife, alongside President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. At the same event, the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) was relaunched. Another action is to raise the rates of vaccination against HPV, which have dropped in recent years. In 2022, the drop was 75% among girls. The goal is to reach 90% coverage, a percentage considered essential to guarantee the elimination of cervical cancer in the country. The vaccine is free, available at basic health units and is recommended for adolescents aged 9 to 14 years, as well as immunosuppressed. Pilot project The city of Recife will be a pioneer in the project of the National Strategy for the Control and Elimination of Cervical Cancer. About 400,000 women in the state, aged 25 to 64, will be tested. There will also be monitoring of exams and implementation of the project in health units. As of the second semester, the actions will be expanded to the whole country.

Agência Brasil