Do you want the good news or really good news first? Well, the good news is cervical cancer is nearly 100% preventable and highly curable if detected and treated early.
Every January, we humbly recognize the importance of cervical cancer screenings and enthusiastically support the medical professionals who work tirelessly to end this deadly disease. Globally, cervical cancer claims the lives of more than 300,000 people each year. What’s even more challenging is that this disease strikes some of the most vulnerable and resource-stricken countries in the world.
Now the really good news – Cure Cervical Cancer (CCC), a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Patricia Gordon, is dedicated to the early detection, treatment, and cure of cervical cancer in developing countries. Dr. Gordon and her team travel the world with the monumental task of eliminating cervical cancer. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved a strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer worldwide. According the WHO, cervical cancer will no longer be considered a public health problem when all countries reach an annual incidence rate of 4 cases per 100,000 women or less. This strategy is a three-fold proactive approach: HPV vaccination; screening and early treatment of pre-cancerous lesions; and prompt referral for treatment for palliative care.
Cure Cervical Cancer has made an incredible impact in this vein with the newly launched Mobile HPV Testing & Treatment outreach programs and their “Clinic in a Suitcase”. A “Clinic in a Suitcase” literally contains all the equipment needed to build a cervical cancer prevention clinic in a single suitcase, which has been a hugely successful program. Furthermore, CCC’s model of sustainability incorporates two strategies: providing proper equipment and training to local medical staff. This method solidifies a self-sustaining prevention clinic for years to come.
From their most recent data gathered, CCC has screened over 178,000 women globally. “We are strengthening the healthcare system by training and mentoring hundreds of healthcare professionals, lab technologists, and community health workers,” said Dr. Patricia Gordon.
MedGyn is extremely proud to partner with CCC through product donations and sponsorship. As a Silver Sponsor, our Cryotherapy System MGC-200 has been implemented successfully in the training and treatment of thousands of women worldwide. The MedGyn Cryotherapy System is designed by physicians and engineered by cryogenic experts to ensure safety, performance and convenience.
Through these partnerships and continued donations; the dedication of clinical volunteers; and the CCC team; together we can eliminate this very preventable disease.
(Resources: Cure Cervical Cancer, World Health Organization)
