Worrying number of cervical cancer deaths in Caribbean

A study in which The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) was involved, revealed that cervical cancer accounted for 4.5% –18.2% of cancer deaths in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.

Word of this comes from Dr. Glennis Andall-Brereton, Epidemiologist/Senior Technical Officer, Non-Communicable Diseases at CARPHA.

“Nearly one-half of cancers are preventable or treatable if detected early. Cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women in the Caribbean, remains a significant public health problem,” she said.

Breast and cervical cancer are the leading causes of cancer deaths in women and have a significant negative societal impact in our region. Among Caribbean men, prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths, with lung cancer being second.

“Research shows that cervical cancer deaths are 2-9 times higher in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean compared to the USA. The number of deaths from cervical cancer is very concerning because this is the only cancer which is preventable through screening, early detection, treatment and vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV). A 2017 study highlighted the suitability and need for accelerated implementation of the 9-valent HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer in the Caribbean”.

CARPHA recommends adopting healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way toward reducing cancer risks and the associated personal and financial costs. Prevention measures include avoiding the use of tobacco, limiting alcohol use, keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Participation in screening programmes is strongly encouraged for the prevention of cervical cancer and early detection of breast, colon and rectum cancer; and being vaccinated against and Hepatitis B and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Commemorating World Cancer Day 2019 "I Am and I Will”, CARPHA signals its continued commitment to working with key partners to reduce the burden of cancer in the region.

In 2018, CARPHA became the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub for the Caribbean, which is working to strengthen cancer surveillance by building capacity for cancer registration in the region to provide reliable information for improving planning for cancer prevention and control.

The agency is partnering with CARICOM agencies and international institutions to impact trade agreements and influence the availability and access to healthy foods, to support the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cancer.