APAC Women's Cancer Coalition’s Post

As we continue our series of highlighting top opportunities as stated in our impact report published by The Economist titled ‘Impact and Opportunity: The Case of Investing in Women’s Cancer in Asia Pacific’, the next country we will be showcasing is Vietnam. The top opportunities for improvement in Vietnam include introducing implementation and surveillance plans within the dedicated national elimination plan for cervical cancer and introduce a national strategy for breast cancer in line with World Health Organization (WHO) ambitions and targets: - Vietnam has a National Action Plan on Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer which has been in place since 2016. However, without surveillance systems in place to track interventions and activities and track progress on vaccination, screening and patient outcomes, it is difficult to monitor the effectiveness of this plan and know whether programs for cancer control are working. Long-term surveillance systems could be set up to track successes and suggest improvements. - To aid with the implementation of breast cancer policy, a national strategy for breast cancer could also be established, which would include specific targets and goals for screening, diagnosis and treatment. - More government priority could be given to women’s cancers as key policy areas, by expanding the fiscal space for these cancers and including implementation and additional services under local budgets. - A national steering committee could be established to operationalize inter-governmental ministry coordination to help drive the national elimination plan for cervical cancer and the national strategy for breast cancer. The next opportunity for improvement in Vietnam would be to establish a national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program for cervical cancer prevention: - Introducing HPV vaccination as part of Vietnam’s routine immunization program for girls aged 9-14 years (through a school-based program or community-based strategy) as soon as possible would help meet the WHO’s 2030 target of vaccinating 90% of girls by the age of 15 (it is currently scheduled for 2026). - Sufficient and affordable HPV vaccines will need to be secured, and international partnerships and support from global funders could be considered to help meet vaccination targets. - Monitoring systems and vaccination registers could be introduced to help ensure that high coverage for vaccination is met, as well as education and awareness programs on the importance of HPV vaccination for preventing cervical cancer to alleviate stigma. Stay tuned for our next post to learn about more top opportunities for improvement in Vietnam. Jhpiego Roche TogetHER for Health CAPED India Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC) #APACWomensCancerCoalition #CervicalCancer #WomensHealth

Cervical cancer prevention by #HPVvaccination: the numbers will prove impressive, so much that Physicians for Informed Consent could no longer deny the incredible impact of such intervention, and continue a narrative against an extremely effective and safe vaccine. South Korea estimated that the current national vaccination program would prevent 4.13% of cervical cancer cases and reduce the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) by 8.79% in the overall population by 2036-2040. Under the alternative scenario of implementing the nine-valent vaccine, 5.13% of cervical cancer cases could be prevented and the ASR reduced by 10.93% during the same period. In another scenario, expanding the vaccination age to 9-17 years could prevent 10.19% of cervical cancer cases, with the ASR reduced by 18.57% during the same period. When restricted to ages <40 years, the prevention effect was remarkably greater. We predict that the current national HPV program will reduce its incidence by more than 30% between 2036 and 2040 in women aged <40 years.

Does the cervical cancer vaccine work? 💉 YES! New data shows excellent real-world efficacy: 📊 ZERO cases of cervical cancer …! ⛔ “A historic new study out of Scotland shows the real-world impact of vaccines against the human papillomavirus: The country has detected no cases of cervical cancer in women born between 1988-1996 who were fully vaccinated against HPV between the ages of 12 and 13. Many previous studies have shown that #hpvvaccines are extremely effective. But the study, published on Monday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Institute, is the first to monitor a national cohort of women over such a long time period and find no occurrence of cervical cancer. “The study is super exciting. It shows that the vaccine is extremely effective,” said Kathleen Schmeler, a professor of gynecologic oncology at the The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who was not involved in the research. “It’s obviously early. We’re just starting to see the first data of the impact of the vaccine because it takes so long from the time of the vaccine to the effects.” The results underscore the importance of working to increase uptake of the HPV vaccine in the U.S., said Schmeler. Scotland, for example, introduced routine immunization in schools in 2008, and close to 90% of students in their fourth year of secondary school (equivalent to 10th grade in the U.S.) in the 2022-2023 school year had received at least one dose of the vaccine. In the U.S., where HPV vaccines are not administered in school, uptake among adolescents ages 13 to 17 is a little over 60%. The study also points to how crucial the timing of vaccination is. “The girls that didn’t develop any cancer were vaccinated before becoming sexually active,” said Schlemer. “So we should not wait to vaccinate folks and really do it, for the guidelines, prior to becoming sexually active.” The authors of the Scotland study monitored the records of all women born between 1988 and 1996 who were eligible for cancer screening, about 450,000 women. Of that group, 40,000 were vaccinated between the ages of 12 and 13, and 124,000 received the vaccines at or after 14 years of age. The remaining women, nearly 300,000, were not vaccinated. No cases of cervical cancer were found among the women who were vaccinated before they turned 14, even if they only received 1 or 2 doses of the vaccine rather than the full, 3-dose protocol. Also noteworthy: women who received the three-dose protocol between the ages of 14 and 22 also benefited significantly: cancer incidence was two and a half times lower than among unvaccinated women. “I was very surprised that there were no cases” of cancer in the group who received vaccines before 14, said Tim Palmer, a lead author of the study. “In that age group, I expected about 15 to 17 a year in Scotland — and we have had none.”" Thanks to Annalisa Merelli for STAT News - link in the comments! #clinicaltrials #cervicalcancer #vaccinessavelives

Recent updates on #HPV #vaccination for #cervicalcancer cancer. Cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, is mainly caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.[1] Primary prevention includes vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. Evidence from both randomised trials and population-based studies shows that vaccination against #HPV reduces the incidence of cervical pre-cancer. The World Health Organisation (#WHO) has prequalified and widely licensed the bivalent (HPV 16/18), quadrivalent (HPV 6/11/16/18), and nonavalent (HPV 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) vaccines. Given that HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers worldwide, all available vaccinations offer protection against these virus types. According to WHO recommendations, girls aged 9-14 years prior to sexual activity are the primary target population for HPV vaccination in order to prevent cervical cancer. WHO recommendations on HPV vaccination for cervical cancer: A 1 or 2-dose schedule for girls aged 9-14 years A 1 or 2-dose schedule for girls and women aged 15-20 years 2 doses with a 6-month interval for women aged >21 years. Priority for vaccinations should be given to those who are immunocompromised or women living with HIV. Immunocompromised patients should receive at least 2 doses and 3 doses, where possible.[2]  India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent HPV vaccination against cervical cancer received marketing authorisation approval from the Drug Controller General of India. The Union Health Ministry aims to roll out the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer for girls aged 9 to 14 years in the national immunisation programme in June 2023, for which a global tender might be floated in April. Given that the cost has been a significant barrier to increasing HPV vaccination coverage, the affordable and cost-effective HPV vaccine will be a major game changer in preventing cervical cancer.

A year ago, I participated in a fantastic project, the #AfricaHPVRoadshow, organized by #AmpAfrique and ALIMA ESSOH OUATTARA. Our aim with this project was to enhance #post-COVID-19 #HPV #vaccination #strategies and #vaccine #uptake. In a novel approach, we brought together diverse stakeholders who usually interact in separate forums, including EPI Directors, HPV focal points, NITAG representatives, cervical cancer program representatives, researchers, adolescent program specialists, and key partners such as AMP, Jhpiego, WHO, and UNICEF. Participants were drawn from a purposeful selection of #14 #African #low and #middle-income #countries that have introduced the HPV vaccine and countries planning to do so, over three regional workshops—one Francophone and two Anglophone— These workshops were not just about sharing knowledge, but about collaborative problem-solving. Our focus group discussions revolved around vaccine hesitancy, challenges faced before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and broader issues such as limited capacity for strain surveillance on the continent. The highlight of our meeting was formulating country roadmaps to improve vaccine uptake and regional recommendations. I am thrilled to share that the insights from this engagement have been distilled into a scientific paper that you can find here: * Website: https://lnkd.in/dfqzsTft * * PDF Version: https://lnkd.in/dTHCdH5h * I invite you to read and share your thoughts with us. Shoutout to @Colin’s, Alima, Furaha and all the team! #HPVRoadshow; #VaccineEquity ; #PublicHealthAfrica #HPVVaccination #GlobalHealthSecurity

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU) welcomes the Council's recommendation urging EU member states to enhance vaccination on vaccine-preventable cancers, such as HPV and HBV infections linked to the disease, as part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and we recognize the contributions that community #pharmacists can make in achieving better prevention and higher #screening rates for cancer. Pharmacies across #Europe are uniquely positioned to support cancer #prevention, testing, and #diagnostics. An example of this is the innovative approach can be witnessed in Estonia, where pharmacies have significantly increased participation in cervical cancer screening through the distribution of HPV self-sampling kits. In Estonia, pharmacies have played a pivotal role in reaching a #cervicalcancer screening participation rate of 70% in some regions in 2023. This success story includes a pilot project involving 89 pharmacies across five counties, where trained pharmacy staff distributed HPV self-sampling kits and provided crucial information about #HPV, cancer, and screening procedures. Remarkably, in Eastern Estonia, nearly half of the women who opted for self-sampling kits received them from a pharmacy, showcasing the pharmacy's crucial role in public health outreach. Out of 6,700 self-sampling kits distributed, over 600 (nearly 10%), were distributed through pharmacies. From 2020 to 2023, Estonia's cervical #cancer participation rate surged from 45% to 64%, underscoring the impactful role that community pharmacies can play in meeting national health targets. Additionally, countries such as Denmark, France, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Switzerland have achieved HPV #vaccination in pharmacies by community pharmacists, a key step to further contribute to reducing the incidence of the disease. As we move forward, we urge all EU member states to consider the invaluable role of pharmacies in their public health strategies. By taking advantage of the #accessibility and expertise of pharmacists, we can enhance vaccination uptake, increase screening participation, and ultimately, achieve our shared goal of reducing cancer incidence across Europe. Official press release at https://lnkd.in/d8bc7R3J Ordem dos Farmacêuticos ANF - Associação Nacional das Farmácias Danmarks Apotekerforening USPO FSPF NPA - National Pharmacy Association #BeatingCancerPlan #EU2024BE #EPSCO

As a public health expert it’s high time our Vaccination program includes vaccination against HPV! Few diseases reflect global inequities as much as cancer of the cervix. Nearly 90% of the deaths in 2018 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. This is where the burden of cervical cancer is greatest, because access to public health services is limited and screening and treatment for the disease have not been widely implemented. An ambitious, concerted and inclusive strategy is needed to guide the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Super proud to share that we at Flavum HealthTech have a dedicated outreach vertical to spread awareness and ensure smooth , hassle free delivery of vaccines against HPV with the help of trained Gyneacologists launching very very soon ! Achieving elimination To eliminate cervical cancer, all countries must reach and maintain an incidence rate of below 4 per 100 000 women. Achieving that goal rests on three key pillars and their corresponding targets: vaccination: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15; screening: 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45; treatment: 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed. Each country should meet the 90–70–90 targets by 2030 to get on the path to eliminate cervical cancer within the next century. Now is the time to eliminate cervical cancer !

🌟 Breaking Ground: India's Pioneering Stride Towards a "Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat" 🌟 In a landmark announcement, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the government's commitment to include the Cervical Cancer (HPV) vaccine in India’s immunization program. A significant leap towards preventive healthcare, this initiative aims to encourage vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14, focusing on shielding them against the menace of cervical cancer. Why is this monumental? Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Indian women, with 1.25 lakh cases reported annually and 75,000 lives lost. With over 95% of cervical cancer cases intricately linked to persistent HPV infections, this campaign holds the potential to significantly reduce both incidence and mortality rates. Let's celebrate this momentous stride towards a "Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat"! Congratulations to India, parents, daughters, and girls as we embark on an era of proactive healthcare and a future free from the shadows of cervical cancer. 🇮🇳🎉 #CervicalCancerFreeIndia #HealthcareRevolution #PublicHealthMilestone https://lnkd.in/dQciBWYB

Here is why the Scottish study of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and Invasive Cance is a huge deal After reading it ———————- Context 📌 ———————— → Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in women globally. → The HPV has been identified as a primary causative agent. → The Global prevalence of HPV and its direct link to cervical cancer make this study particularly relevant & significant. ————————- Study Overview 📌 ————————- → The study analyzed the incidence of cervical cancer in Scottish women born between 1988 and 1996. → The focus was on those vaccinated against HPV. → It utilized a comprehensive national health dataset ———————- Key Findings 📌 ———————— → Remarkably, no cervical cancer cases were found in women vaccinated at ages 12-13. → Significant reductions in cancer incidence were also observed in women vaccinated at ages 14-16 and 17-18, compared to unvaccinated women. ————————- Implications 📌 ———————— → The findings highlight the critical importance of early HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer. → The study underscores the need for public health strategies to prioritize early and widespread vaccination. → Widespread vaccination could significantly reduce the global burden of cervical cancer. —————— Final thoughts 📌 —————— → The Scottish study marks a significant advancement in our understanding of HPV vaccination's role in cancer prevention. → It offers compelling evidence for policymakers and health practitioners to optimize HPV vaccination programs. → It has the potential to transform global health strategies against cervical cancer. ************************* Do you think it's time for countries to consider adding this to their Expanded Program of Immunization? It's about time Read article here https://lnkd.in/eVyfnzMN #publichealth #globalhealth #vaccineswork

📃Scientific paper: Cervical cancer screening and vaccination: knowledge, awareness, and attitude of female staff in a Nigerian University Abstract: Background Poor knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening and vaccination are significant barriers to effective cervical cancer prevention in developing countries. Knowledge of cervical cancer and vaccination against cervical cancer remains low in Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of female staff of Afe Babalola University towards cervical cancer screening and vaccinations. Methods This study was a cross-sectional study conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire among female staff of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The workers’ knowledge and awareness were assessed using yes and no questions while the attitude was assessed using Likert scale questions. The workers’ knowledge was ranked as good ( ≥  50%) and poor (< 50%) while attitude was ranked as positive ( ≥  50%) and negative (< 50%). The relationship between demographics, attitude and knowledge of cervical cancer screening and vaccination was carried out using the Chi-square test. Analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 20. Results A total of 200 staff consented to participate in the study out of which 64% were married with mean age 32.81  ±  8.164 years. Majority (60.5%) of the participants knew the causes of cervical cancer while 7.5% strongly agreed that they do not see the need for cervical screening. Majority (63.5%) of the participants showed good knowledge while 46% had a positive attitude toward... Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/9Od ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.