Visiting their gynaecologist for routine check-ups is the easiest way for women to prevent cervical cancer. This is my advice to women – they have to find a doctor, who they feel comfortable with, and follow his/her advice; they do not have to be afraid of pelvic examination - it is neither painful nor accompanied by any side effects; they should take care of their health and stay healthy,” says Sophio Bojgua, gynaecologist.
Georgia traditionally joins the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed in January every year.
As part of the campaign this year, WHO Georgia and UNFPA Georgia remind every woman and girl of the ways to prevent cervical cancer and encourage them to get vaccinated and screened on time.
Three pillars outlined in the Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, approved by the WHO in November 2020, include HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and treatment.
According to Dr Silviu Domente, Head of WHO Country Office Georgia, “The HPV vaccine is safe and effective in preventing cervical cancer.”
We commend Georgia for including the HPV vaccine in the national immunization programme and expanding access to the vaccine for girls ages 9-13. Achieving high rates of vaccination is key to eliminating cervical cancer in Georgia.” Dr Silviu Domente says.
Since 2019, HPV vaccination has been included in the national vaccination program (schedule), for girls 9-13 years old, and on January 12, 2022 the Government of Georgia approved a “catch up” program for girls 13-18, scaling-up prevention.
Lela Bakradze, Head of the UNFPA Georgia Country Office, calls on the public for supporting and encouraging cervical cancer prevention and treatment among girls and women, so that they can live healthy and safe lives.
It is essential for all women in Georgia to be knowledgeable about their health, about cervical cancer, and about the importance of routine participation in the cancer screening programme for their health and well-being.” Lela Bakradze notes.
We believe that these services should be brought closer to women, especially to those living in rural and hard-to-reach areas in order to achieve high coverage of cancer screening, which saves lives,” she adds.
National Screening Centre offers free cervical screening tests to women aged of 25- 60. However, according to Eter Kighuradze, director of National Screening Centre, one of the main challenges of the programme is reaching the target population and coverage, which is significantly lower than in developed countries.
According to her, there are several reasons for this, including: lack of information, the problem of dissemination of information; as well as fear of both the procedure and the diagnosis. People often think that they are healthy and there is no need for screening.
I want to emphasize that cervical screening is not just about taking care of your own health, it is about social responsibility, responsibility towards our families, loved ones and society in general. Women need to overcome barriers and learn more about the benefits of screening," Eter Kighuradze underscores.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, which, in most cases, is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
It is estimated that cervical cancer takes the lives of about 200 women every year in Georgia. Despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains a major health issue in the country, where over 40% of women diagnosed are diagnosed in late stages.
HIV vaccination and cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer, and timely and effective medical interventions can reduce cervical cancer mortality and ultimately eliminate cervical cancer.
