Approximately 370 new cases of cervical cancer are annually logged in the Republic of Moldova. This is 20 cases per 100,000 people. The cases when the disease is detected early represent 47%. A number of 4,200 women with cervical cancer are under the supervision of doctors of the Oncological Institute. The data were presented in connection with the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week that is held during January 20-27, IPN reports.

The National Public Health Agency said the persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. This is identified in 99% of the cases of cervical cancer. Clinical studies showed the vaccines against HPV are very safe and efficient in preventing infections with HPV.

Specialists recommend vaccinating the girls aged between nine and 14, when not many have started the sex life. Some of the countries began to vaccinate boys too as vaccination prevents testicular cancer as well. In Moldova, the vaccination against HPV covers only girls aged between nine and ten.

Of all the malignant tumors, cervical cancer can be most efficiently prevented by screening. A well-organized screening program can reduce both incidence and mortality and can prevent up to 80% of the cases of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer in women, representing 7% of all female cancers, and the eighth most common cancer in women in Europe, constituting 3.3% of female cancers. In 2018, about 311,000 women died from cervical cancer globally, which is 7.5% of alldeaths from cancer.