APAC Women's Cancer Coalition’s Post

I had the privilege of attending the recent Cervical Cancer Symposium in Lilongwe, Malawi, and the wealth of knowledge shared was truly enlightening. I couldn't help but reflect on Malawi's strides in combating cervical cancer. Here are some key takeaways and highlights: 1. Empowering Prevention: Malawi has been making significant strides in cervical cancer prevention, particularly through the implementation of a national HPV vaccination program targeting 9-year-old girls. This proactive approach aims to curb the spread of HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer and is a crucial step towards reducing the burden of the disease in our country. 2. Enhancing Access to Care: Despite progress, access to cervical cancer screening and treatment remains limited in many parts of Malawi. The symposium emphasized the importance of expanding access to these essential services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Initiatives focusing on mobile clinics and community outreach programs hold promise in bridging this gap. 3. Multisectoral Collaboration: A standout aspect of the symposium was the emphasis on collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, and community leaders. By working together, we can leverage resources and expertise to implement comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and control strategies. 4. Addressing Financial Barriers: Financial constraints pose a significant barrier to accessing cervical cancer services in Malawi. With the country's health budget below the pledged 15% commitment, there's an urgent need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and programs. Sustainable financing mechanisms are essential to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of cervical cancer interventions. What truly stood out to me was the collective commitment and passion demonstrated by everyone involved in the fight against cervical cancer in Malawi. Despite challenges, there's a shared determination to improve outcomes and reduce the impact of this disease on our communities. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have participated in such an important event and look forward to continuing the dialogue and collaboration towards a future free from cervical cancer in Malawi. #CervicalCancer #Malawi #Healthcare #HPVVaccination #Prevention #CommunityHealth #Collaboration #PublicHealth 

Exciting breakthroughs in cancer treatment emerging from India! The fight against cancer just got a boost thanks to promising advancements happening in India! Here's a glimpse into what's unfolding: 1. Hope for a cervical cancer-free future: India's indigenously developed "Cervavac" vaccine offers a powerful weapon against HPV, a major cause of cervical cancer. This jab boasts a 1000x stronger immune response compared to existing options, potentially paving the way for its inclusion in national immunization programs. Making it affordable and accessible could be a game-changer in the fight against this prevalent cancer. 2. CAR T-Cell therapy: A revolutionary approach to blood cancer: 🩸 This innovative therapy developed by St. Jude Hospital and IIT Mumbai shows remarkable promise in treating blood cancer, achieving a 99% success rate in children during Phase 2 trials. Unlike the painful chemotherapy, CAR T-Cell therapy offers a single-dose solution with minimal side effects. Additionally, its affordability compared to international options makes it a beacon of hope for patients worldwide. 3. India: A potential future hub for cancer treatment: These breakthroughs highlight India's growing prowess in the field of cancer research and development. With continued advancements, India could transform into a leading destination for accessible and affordable cancer treatment, offering hope to patients globally. This is just the beginning! The potential impact of these innovations is massive, offering a brighter future for countless individuals battling cancer. Stay tuned for further developments in this exciting space! #healthcare #cancerresearch #innovation #india #hope #cervicalcancer #bloodcancer #CAR_T_Cell_therapy P.S. Share your thoughts on these advancements in the comments below!

📢 Cervical Cancer in India: A Preventable Tragedy Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in India, accounting for nearly one-fourth of global cervical cancer deaths. Despite being largely preventable, it ranks as the second most common cancer among Indian women, with over 75,000 deaths annually. The primary cause is the human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically types 16 and 18, which contribute to 83% of cervical cancers in the country. However, there's hope. The recent introduction of CERVAVAC, India's first indigenously developed HPV vaccine, marks a breakthrough in preventing cervical cancer. This affordable vaccine is a major step toward reducing the burden of the disease and is part of a broader National Cancer Control Programme aimed at expanding screening, treatment, and vaccination services. HPV vaccines given at the right age can almost completely prevent the development of cervical cancer. The government's goal is to create 100 cervical cancer-free districts through coordinated efforts in vaccination, early screening, and pre-cancer treatments. Partnerships between public health organizations and private entities are crucial to ensure affordable and accessible solutions for all women in🇮🇳 🔑 Key Takeaways: HPV vaccination is a powerful tool in preventing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screening and early treatment are essential for reducing mortality. Greater awareness and access to healthcare can lead to a cervical cancer-free India. #Healthcare #CervicalCancer #HPV #Vaccine #India

Today I had a pleasure to chair the Study Group on Cancer Prevention Package of the European Economic and Social Committee meeting, where we engaged in a robust discussion surrounding the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers. It was a truly enriching session, marked by insightful perspectives and constructive dialogue among our esteemed members, rapporteurs, experts and representatives of the European Commission. Throughout our discussion, we underscored the paramount importance of prioritizing cancer prevention measures within the broader framework of healthcare initiatives. We emphasized the significance of vaccination as a pivotal tool in combating cancer, particularly in preventing human papillomaviruses (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cancers. However, despite our concerted efforts, we acknowledged the persistent regional disparities in vaccination accessibility across Member States. These inequalities underscore the pressing need for a comprehensive and equitable approach to cancer prevention at the EU level. Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to foster cooperation and exchange best practices among Member States to strengthen vaccination programs and improve overall cancer prevention efforts. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, we can overcome the challenges posed by cancer and strive towards a future where cancer incidence is significantly reduced. Thank you rapporteur general Milena Angelova and your expert @Telleervo Kylä-Harakka-Ruonala for your work! Together, let us champion the fight against cancer and work tirelessly towards a healthier, cancer-free Europe. Let’s beat cancer together! #EUHealth #EESC #LetsBeatCancer #UnityAgainstCancer #EuropeBeatingCancerPlan

🌸 Join us in raising awareness for National Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2024! 🌸 Did you know that primary care plays a crucial role in cervical cancer prevention? Regular screenings can detect early signs. Let's work together to prioritise women's health! 💪🏥 Here's a few stats 👇 👉 Screening Saves Lives: Regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap tests, can detect early abnormalities. According to the CDC, screening and early treatment can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancers. 👉 Primary Care Engagement: A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that women who have a primary care provider are more likely to undergo cervical cancer screening, emphasising the importance of primary care in preventive healthcare. 👉 Barriers to Access: Despite the effectiveness of screenings, disparities exist. Data from the American Cancer Society shows that underserved populations, including those with limited access to primary care, face higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates. 👉 Vaccination Impact: The introduction of the HPV vaccine has had a significant impact on cervical cancer prevention. Primary care providers play a crucial role in administering vaccines to eligible individuals, reducing the risk of HPV-related cervical cancers. 👉 Global Impact: In developing countries with limited access to primary care and screening programs, cervical cancer remains a major public health concern. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with approximately 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths reported annually. 🔍 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3S9LxTG #CervicalCancerPrevention #Healthcare #PrimaryCare #WomensHealth #NHS #CancerAwareness

#BiotechDiaries – Cervical Cancer – The 2nd Most Common Cancer in Indian Women Although preventable by administering HPV vaccination, cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer globally and the 2nd most common cancer in India, almost 18% of the new cancer cases. In 2020, 604,000 new cases are estimated to have emerged, while 342,000 deaths took place, 90% of which were in low- and middle-income countries. Lack of equitable access to HPV vaccines, cervical cancer screening, and healthcare services has led to this unfortunate situation. In India, the government is ramping up its immunisation efforts against cervical cancer. Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman declared in her interim Budget 2024 speech that the government intends to promote HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 as a preventive measure against cervical cancer. If you’re a startup operating in the female healthcare space, reach out to us at www.bioangels.vc/contact/. Let’s collaborate to close the gender health gap. #CervicalCancer #ClosingGenderGap #BioAngels

🌍💖 **World Cancer Day 2024 - February 4th** 🌟 **Theme: "Close the Care Gap"** Today, on World Cancer Day, we stand united in the fight against cancer with a resounding call to action: "Close the Care Gap." This theme spotlights the global disparities in cancer care, urging us to bridge the divide in awareness, access, and treatment. 🔍 **Empowering Through Awareness**: Knowledge is our first line of defense against cancer. By raising awareness about cancers such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, we empower individuals with the information needed for early detection and prevention. 💉 **Vaccination and Prevention**: The HPV vaccine demonstrates the critical role of vaccinations in preventing certain cancers. Ensuring everyone has access to such preventive measures is key to closing the care gap. 🤝 **Building Supportive Communities**: Cancer care extends beyond medical treatment. It includes fostering supportive environments for emotional, psychological, and financial assistance for those affected and their families. 📢 **Consult Your Family Doctor**: For personalized advice and information on cancer prevention, screening, and treatments, please talk to your family doctor. They can provide guidance tailored to your health needs and circumstances. 🙌 We applaud the #KwaraFirstLady and her #AjikeCares platform for their relentless efforts in cancer awareness and healthcare advocacy. Their commitment is pivotal in advancing health equity and support across Nigeria. This #WorldCancerDay, let's commit to #ClosetheCareGap by advocating for equitable healthcare access, promoting early detection, and supporting our communities. Together, we can make significant progress in the global fight against cancer. #CancerAwareness #BreastCancer #CervicalCancer #ProstateCancer #EarlyDetection #HPVVaccine #TalkToYourDoctor #NigerianHealth

Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) is proven to be a significant cause of cervical cancer. Molecular screening of 14 high-risk HPV is recommended for early detection of cervical, precancer, and cancer and identification of risk groups developing thereof. The IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organization highlight the work to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2100; all countries must reach and maintain an incidence rate of fewer than 4 new cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 women per year. Achieving that goal rests on three key pillars and their corresponding targets: • Vaccination: 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the #HPV vaccine by the age of 15 years. • Screening: 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35 years and again by the age of 45 years. • Treatment: 90% of women with precancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed. Learn more about #AusDiagnostics #WomensHealth TandemPlex® panels. Detection and genotyping of the most critical high-carcinogenic risk HPV https://lnkd.in/gHNEKjdE World Health Organization #CervicalCancer #WHOAwareness

I just got off an over-one-hour-long virtual dialogue session on implementing 70:90—ensuring scale and sustainability—organised by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The "70:90" is part of the World Health Organization's (WHO) ambitious targets to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, with the 70:90 focused on screening and treatment. The WHO has set a global strategy with three key targets to be achieved by 2030, commonly referred to as the "90-70-90" targets: 1. Vaccination: 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15. 2. Screening: 70% of women were screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45. 3. Treatment: 90% of women with pre-cancer were treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer were managed. These targets are designed to reduce the median cervical cancer incidence rate by 10% by 2030. Achieving the 90-70-90 targets can prevent over 74 million new cases by 2021 and avert 300,000 deaths by 2030. It's a comprehensive approach that involves vaccination, screening, and treatment to tackle the disease effectively, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of cervical cancer is greatest. The organisation I work for, the Pink Africa Foundation, is actively involved in cervical cancer elimination projects covering awareness and education, screening, vaccination, and treatment (usually of pre-cancerous cervical lesions). Understanding ways to scale and sustain our end-cervical cancer project will ensure that our efforts are guided and that our measured progress is steadily towards the elimination of the disease as a public health concern. It will also involve securing funding, strengthening healthcare systems, fostering community engagement, etc. If you're involved in advocacy or awareness campaigns for cervical cancer, these targets are crucial for the elimination of cervical cancer. #CervicalCancer #CancerControlAdvocate

📌 Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in #women worldwide, and continues to disproportionately #impact women and their families in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). There are many #challenges on the path to cervical cancer elimination. Due to HPV vaccine #supply constraints and delivery challenges, just one in five eligible #adolescent girls were vaccinated in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. While there are cost-effective and evidence-based tools for #screening and #treatment, fewer than 5% of women in many LMICs are ever screened for cervical cancer. Health system constraints, costs, logistical issues, and lack of political #will have created obstacles to implementing comprehensive programs for cervical cancer prevention and treatment. These #barriers have led to deep inequity. 🛑 Of the estimated 348 000 cervical cancer deaths in 2022, over 90% took place in LMICs. With governments and partners recommitting urgently to the global agenda, it is possible to reverse the tide and prevent annual deaths from rising to 410 000 by 2030, as currently estimated. Read the detailed report by WHO at; https://lnkd.in/dAeBSErJ