More than 200 women die from cervical cancer in Moldova yearly. Veronica Ciobanu, gynecologist of the Oncological Institute, has told IPN that cervical cancer affects mainly women aged between 35 and 60. The population is to be informed about the prophylaxis and early detection of this disease during the Cervical Cancer Prevention Week on January 24-30.

The prevention campaign is aimed at familiarizing the people with the benefits of cervical screening and vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV). According to specialists, there are multiple causes of cervical cancer, but the infection with certain types of HPV is the most spread one. Among other causes are the early sexual life, untreated sexually transmitted diseases, hormonal contraceptives used for a long time, excess of alcohol, smoking and obesity.

Veronica Ciobanu said the vaccination of virgin girls starting with the age of 10 is very efficient. In Moldova, the HPV vaccine hasn’t been yet put on the list of mandatory vaccines, but is to be included. A feasibility study in this regard is to be carried out over the next two years. In Moldova, the HPV vaccine is available at private centers.

According to the data presented by Veronica Ciobanu, over 300 women are annually placed under supervision. At the incipient stage, cervical cancer is not accompanied by bleeding or pain, but these appear at the advanced stages. The cervical screening can prevent up to 80% of the cases of this disease.

Cervical cancer in Moldova is the second most spread type of cancer among women after breast cancer. The gynecologists said that most of the detected cases of cancer are at the third and fourth stages. That’s why the doctors warn the women to do the screening test when they are told to.

The focus of the European wide Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which is staged annually on the last week of January, is on all things to do with cervical cancer including information about symptoms and causes of the disease and ways to prevent it.