To mark the World Cervical Cancer Day, which is celebrated on March 26, Andalusian government has put the focus on the importance of cervical cancer prevention, both through early detection and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV). During the year 2024, a total of 58.875 Andalusian women were invited to participate in population screening for cervical cancer, an initiative that seeks to stop the development of this disease from its earliest stages.
The program, promoted by the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs and coordinated by the General Directorate of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation, is part of the Cancer Strategy in Andalusia. The objective is to improve diagnostic coverage and guarantee immunization through a public health model based on anticipation and universal access.
An age-structured population screening
El cervical cancer screening It is aimed at women between 25 and 65 years old. For women aged 25 to 34, the test consists of a Pap smear every three years, while for women aged 35 to 65, a high-risk HPV test is performed. main causative agent of cervical cancer.
The implementation of screening began with a pilot program in seven health centers in Cádiz. And, starting in July 2024, it was gradually extended to the rest of the Andalusian provinces. Inclusion by age group began with the 25-29 and 60-65 age groups, and will be expanded to fully cover the target age group.
The use of a software application for program management has allowed for better coordination and monitoring of participating women, increasing the system's effectiveness and reducing potential failures in the care chain.
The key role of HPV vaccination
El cervical cancer It is caused, in most cases, by a persistent HPV infection, the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Therefore, Vaccination against the human papillomavirus has established itself as the main preventive tool, as it prevents the development of precancerous lesions that could lead to cervical cancer.
Since the start of the vaccination program in Andalusia in 2007, initially aimed at girls born after 1993, A total of 657.850 women have been vaccinatedCurrent coverage among Andalusian adolescents exceeds 92%, one of the highest nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, since 2023, Vaccination has been extended to 12-year-olds, and from May 2024, it will also be offered to boys up to 18 years old. By March 2025, coverage among boys born in 2012 will reach 83,3%, and among those born in 2011, 89,2%.
Specific recruitment strategies are being developed to increase vaccination among male adolescents aged 14-18 years., a range in which coverage has already reached 58,7%. This measure is part of a global strategy to eliminate HPV-related cancer, supported by the World Health Organization.
Secondary prevention after injuries
Another strategic line of the Government of Juanma Moreno is the HPV vaccination in women who have required cervical conization, a surgical intervention for precancerous lesions in the cervix. This measure, in force since 2019, It aims to prevent relapses that can lead to cervical cancer, strengthening protection for particularly vulnerable women.
Incidence of cervical cancer in Spain
In 2024 they were diagnosed in Spain 2.259 new cases of cervical cancer, which represents an incidence of 9,1 cases per 100.000 women. Despite this being a moderate figure, specialists insist that The combination of screening and vaccination can make this type of cancer a preventable and increasingly rare disease..
In this context, the Government of Andalusia reiterates its commitment to strengthening public health, equity in access to prevention, and personalized monitoring of Andalusian women.
"The fight against cervical cancer is a clear example of how prevention saves lives. With effective screening programs and high vaccination coverage, we are in a position to drastically reduce its incidence," the Ministry of Health emphasized.
The Andalusian Government considers the fight against cervical cancer, and will continue to promote measures to achieve the goals set by international strategies for the elimination of HPV-related cancer. Health authorities encourage women to participate in screening programs and families to ensure the vaccination of their daughters and sons, to Achieving an Andalusia that is more protected against cervical cancer.
