Quito, February 2, 2023
It is estimated that by 2030, the number of cancer cases in the world will reach 22 million and it is expected that 7 out of 10 cases will be located in Africa, Asia and Latin America. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Region of the Americas.
Cervical cancer (CCU) offers intervention opportunities throughout a woman’s life, through effective prevention strategies. One of them, the vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) established in the regular vaccination scheme of Ecuador since 2014.
To reduce risk factors, early detection is important, which increases the chances of recovery and allows access to adequate treatment for patients. Faced with this, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) allocated 2 million dollars in 2022 for the implementation of the screening program as a prevention strategy for CCU.
From December 2, 2022 to the second week of March 2023, a total of 40,000 molecular tests have been scheduled for genotyping detection of HPV types 16-18 and others, aimed at women aged 30 to 65. years, within the risk population. The HPV test, as a primary screening test, is the test with the highest diagnostic accuracy and the most cost-effective.
36 primary care health centers have been considered as sampling points throughout the country, the information is available at the following link: https://bit.ly/PruebasVPH. Its processing will be carried out in three hospitals, these being: Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, Hospital de Especialidades de Portoviejo and Hospital General Docente de Calderón.
The health professionals of these establishments were trained for the processing, validation and issuance of results; while those responsible for the Prevention and Control Strategy of each district and health personnel were instructed in the procedure for taking samples, storing and sending them.
This screening program is part of the National Strategy for Comprehensive Cancer Care, with the aim of achieving early detection and timely diagnosis, through risk control, early detection, control, management and timely treatment.
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