An estimated 604,000 women had cervical cancer in 2020. But the distribution of these women around the globe was far from even.
Where is Cervical Cancer Most Prevalent?
While Breast Cancer is the most prevalent among women world-wide, Cervical Cancer outpaces it in specific locations in South America, Western Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and pockets of Asia listed below.
- Bolivia, Paraguay
- The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal
- Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, the DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Myanmar and Nepal
How Severe is the Situation in these Countries?
It can be hard to gauge the exact impact and frequency of Cervical Cancer in more remote or rural regions, but several groups are working to track the situation.
According to the World Atlas, “In Malawi, 79.5 women out of 100,000 develop cervical cancer. In Mozambique it is 65 and in Comoros, 61.3.… In the majority of sub-Saharan Africa, 40 out of 48 countries, cervical cancer is the number 1 cause of cancer-related deaths in women.”
The Cancer Atlas adds, “Over one-third of all cervical cancer deaths globally occur in sub-Saharan Africa, though the region represents only 14% of the world’s female population.”
What’s Being Done?
As long as there are people who care, there is hope.
Countless plans are underway to address this serious issue. It would be impossible to list all of the outstanding NGOs, government-sponsored programs, and other efforts here, but they are out there, increasing awareness, reducing risk, and treating women.
Treatments for Cervical Cancer
While prevention though HPV vaccination and a healthy lifestyle are the best weapons against Cervical Cancer, there are ways to treat this deadly disease.
- Cryotherapy. Freeze the abnormal tissue to the point of necrosis using a gas-powered “freeze gun.” The equipment requires no electricity, so it’s ideal for clinics in remote locations such as those listed above.
- Thermal Ablation. A newer method of treatment that cauterizes cancerous growths with a battery-powered “heat gun” in a simple and safe procedure.
- Electrosurgery. Requiring a highly skilled practitioner and a complex, sterile set-up, this therapy can obtain tissue for further biopsy, but it is also the most complex treatment and therefore the most expensive.
The fight against Cervical Cancer – and all cancers – continues on. With the help of dedicated agencies like the ones mentioned above, we can continue to save lives and one day stop the cancer epidemic forever.
Resources
https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cervical-cancer
