The incidence of invasive cervical cancer in Macau has decreased by nearly 30 percent in recent years compared to 2011, and the mortality rate has dropped by eight percent, the Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement issued on the eve of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action.
According to the Healthline Media, invasive cervical cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the surface of the cervix.
Since 2013, the government has included HPV jabs in its vaccination programme, offering free vaccinations to female residents under the age of 18, which aims to further reduce women’s risk of cervical cancer, the statement said.
In response to the 2018 call to action by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to promote the Global Campaign to End Cervical Cancer as a social movement, November 17 is a Day of Action every year to bring communities around the world together to end cervical cancer.
According to the statement, since 2019, the bureau has recorded a total of 1.65 million uses of the HPV-DNA testing service, which is in addition to the original cervical cancer screening service offered by the bureau since 1985.
Cervical cancer is the most common female cancer, ranking as the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide. More than 95 percent of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening are recognised as the most effective preventive measures.
In addition, the statement said, the prevention of cervical cancer also requires the practice of a healthy lifestyle, including regular work and rest periods, regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and multiple sexual partners, and the correct use of condoms.
Members of the public can visit the bureau’s Cervical Cancer Screening Programme page at https://www.ssm.gov.mo/apps1/cervicalscreening/ch.aspx#clg27745 for more information.
This poster provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows a public awareness poster urging female residents to undergo free cervical cancer screening services provided by the bureau.
