The fight against cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda is set to get a major boost
with the launch of a new programme, the National Cervical Screening Guidelines.
Along with this initiative, HPV testing will also be scaled up.
According to a recent release from the National Cervical Cancer Elimination
Team, the "initiative represents a pivotal moment in our national health strategy
and recognizes Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in cervical cancer
elimination".
The official launch is set to take place on February 11 at the Sandals Grande
Antigua Resort's Ballroom from 4pm-8pm.
Cervical Cancer remains one of the leading cancers being diagnosed in women of
Antigua and Barbuda with the estimated death rate from cervical cancer in the twin
island nation being among one of the highest in the region.
Cervical cancer affects young women – mothers, daughters, sisters, and in many
cases breadwinners.
This latest initiative joins an ever-growing list of programmes implemented by the
local task force.
In 2022, the Ministry of Health, along with PAHO, introduced a new high-
performance test – HPV testing – becoming the first country in the Eastern
Caribbean to implement it.
The test runs in conjunction with the traditionally used pap smear which for years
has been the foremost protection against cervical cancer.
The PAHO has supported the country with technical training, as well as equipment
and tests to start the project. The organisation has also provided machines that can
help treat women diagnosed with cervical cancer.
The first phase began in 2018 with the launch of the HPV vaccination programme.
HPV is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths
(warts). There are more than 100 varieties; some types of infection cause warts,
and some can cause different types of cancer.
Most HPV infections don’t lead to cancer. But some types of genital HPV can
cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina (cervix).
Other types of cancers, including cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and
back of the throat (oropharyngeal), have been linked to HPV infection.
These infections are often transmitted sexually or through other skin-to-skin
contact. Vaccines can help protect against the strains of HPV most likely to cause
genital warts or cervical cancer.
