Cancers are among other leading non-communicable diseases which are responsible for the deaths of millions of patients globally.

Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix. The most common cervical cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, accounting for 70% of cases. Eliminating cervical and other cancers is a major concern for the Ministry of Health, officials said on July 29th 2024.

Dr Eugene-Ford announced that come August, the new liquid-based cytology method would be available at wellness centres island-wide, significantly reducing wait times for Pap smear results.

“This new technique or liquid-based cytology which we plan to launch in August allows testing for HPV particularly high-risk strains such as strain 16 and strain 18 which are responsible for most of the HPV-related cancers,” Dr Eugene-Ford explained during the launch.

According to the World Health Organisation, cervical cancer is the first most common cancer in women with 604,000 new cases in 2020. About 90% of the 342,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer occurred in low and middle-income countries. About 10% of women with HPV infection on their cervix will develop long-lasting HPV infections that put them at risk for cervical cancer.

Dr Ford highlighted the importance of accessible, modern healthcare at wellness centres for timely diagnoses.

“With the rollout of universal health coverage, evidently more people will use the health care system. The primary healthcare facilities will have to function as gatekeepers to the next more expensive level of care. Therefore, it is required to strengthen primary health care facilities and win public confidence to make primary health care the first point of call and entry into the health care system in Saint Lucia.”

The Ministry urges women to get tested regularly to prevent the onset of cancers and ensure early detection and treatment.