Cervical Cancer: Preventable and Curable

Belize is facing a worrying rise in cervical cancer cases, a disease that is entirely preventable. Despite this, it’s still one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, especially in low-income countries like Belize. To tackle this pressing issue, the Belize Cancer Society, the Ministry of Health, and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) came together today to host the Empowering Women and Girls against Cervical Cancer Awareness Forum in Belize City. Our very own News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the scene to bring us the latest updates from the event.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Cervical cancer claims over thirty-four thousand lives each year in the Americas, and Belize unfortunately has one of the highest rates of both incidents and deaths in the region. The good news is that this disease is treatable and even curable, especially when detected early. To help combat this serious issue, the Belize Cancer Society hosted a cervical cancer awareness forum today, aiming to educate women on the crucial steps they can take to eliminate cervical cancer in Belize.

 

Kim Simplis-Barrow, President, Belize Cancer Society

“So today we are hosting the cervical cancer forum for women and girls against cervical cancer and this, of course, this event is to create awareness and to empower women. We had the official opening this morning, and this afternoon we’ll be doing HPV testing and vaccination in partnership with the Ministry of Health and PAHO.”

 

The main culprit behind cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that’s spread through sexual contact. At today’s forum, attendees had the opportunity to get free testing and vaccinations, making it easier than ever to take proactive steps against this preventable disease.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“It’s also very important to also note that young boys can also carry the virus and pass it on to a female. And it is about education, it’s about caring, and I think the forum will also allow for persons who have gone through this issue and survived the, this dreadful disease. to share their experiences and to encourage others to take advantage of the support that is available to them.”

 

Great news for Belizeans! The HPV vaccine is available at no cost and is highly recommended for girls aged nine to fourteen. This is a fantastic opportunity to protect our young generation from cervical cancer right from the start.

 

Kevin Bernard

“We started when, remember, the vaccine was implemented in Belize way back in 2016. It had a cost at the time. But in 2023 when it was actually relaunched after Covid we have seen much more personal taking on the vaccines and we encourage people to continue to take that vaccine.  As I said cervical cancer, which is highlighted in this world is preventable. It’s a disease that can be prevented it can be managed. And so we want to encourage people, and this form is about that. It’s about making sure you bring awareness the effects of cervical cancer. It’s also to bring awareness to females who can end up with that situation.”

 

The event featured an impressive lineup of panelists, including an oncologist, a non-communicable disease specialist, and a powerful testimony from a survivor.

 

Kim Simplis-Barrow

“The Belize Cancer Society, of course, our mandate is to advocate and empower women and girls and men and boys against cancer. It was very important because cancer is one of the most treatable and preventable diseases, cancers. And so for us, it’s very important to, as we reflect on where we are as a country in terms of cervical cancer, to do more so that we can really and truly eliminate cervical cancer in Belize.”

 

By spreading the word and encouraging regular screenings, Belizeans can save the lives of countless women and girls, while also easing the burden on our healthcare system.

 

Kevin Bernard

“Belize signed on to the elimination initiative for cervical cancer, and that’s where we want to go. By the end of 2030, it’s a global challenge that we all signed on to see that we could eliminate cancer, cervical cancer, across the globe.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.