While more than 14,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year in the US, the disease is preventable with vaccination and early detection through appropriate screening.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. HPV infection can be prevented by vaccination. Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization, in 2020 only 13% of girls aged 9–14 were vaccinated against HPV.
To achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue, there are 3 key targets:
- Increase vaccination rates with a goal of 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15 years.
- Improve screening rates with a goal of 70% of women are screened using a high-performance test for HPV by the age of 35 years.
- Ensure access to treatment with a goal of providing 90% of women with pre-cancerous findings, and 90% of women with invasive cancer, with effective treatment.
Together, we can help put an end to cervical cancer by helping people get informed, get screened, and get vaccinated.