A campaign to prevent cervical cancer will be carried out in the municipality of Chisinau during January 22-28. This will include information activities, workshops and education and awareness-raising events aimed at persuading women to do a cytology test for prophylactic purposes once in three years, the chief health officer of Chisinau Boris Gîlcă has told IPN.

“Cervical cancer affects millions of women all over the world, including in the Republic of Moldova, primarily women of reproductive age who are active in the social, professional and family life. Cervical cancer can be easily prevented, by doing the Papanicolau (cervical screening) test once in three years. These checkups can be performed free at the family doctor at the place of residence,” stated Boris Gîlcă.

Besides the free tests, informative and sanitary education materials will be distributed as part of the campaign at all the primary medical assistance institutions in the municipality of Chisinau. There will be disseminated videos.

Informative materials will also be distributed in public transport. “This way we aim to inform as many women as possible, to raise the cervical cancer detection rate and to contribute to a high-quality and safe life of women,” said Boris Gîlcă.

The campaign to prevent cervical cancer in the municipality of Chisinau is conducted in partnership with the United Nationals Population Fund and is part of the European cervical cancer prevention campaign. Cervical cancer often presents no symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is often referred to as a “silent killer.”