Stories of cervical cancer prevention and control in the Americas.

Witness how the countries in the Americas are working every day to end cervical cancer. Learn the stories of women that survived cervical cancer or who managed to avoid their development thanks to timely detection. Listen to the testimonies of mothers who have decided to vaccinate their daughters against the human papillomavirus to protect them against cervical cancer. Discover the experiences of health care professionals who work every day in HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer screening programs.

Cervical cancer can be prevented and treated

Yet more than 80,000 women in the Americas are diagnosed with this disease each year, and 36,000 die. It is time to end cervical cancer, through HPV vaccination in girls and screening in adult women.

Cervical cancer can be prevented and treated:
Paola, a 39 year old woman in Sucre, Bolivia, was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She had access to timely treatment and received the necessary care. After receiving treatment, Paola celebrates with her son victor that she no longer has any signs of cervical cancer. Early detection and timely treatment were essential for Paola to overcome the disease.

Informing adolescents about HPV vaccines:
Marislei, a nurse in Goiás, Brazil, informs a group of adolescents during this educational session on HPV vaccines, about the importance of receiving the HPV vaccine prior to sexual debut, to prevents cervical cancer.

Vaccination against HPV for 9-14 year old girls:
Carla, Daniela and Stephanie received the HPV vaccine in Scatepéquez, Guatemala. Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the Americas Region, more than 24 million doses have been procured by the PAHO Revolving Fund to support the ministries of health in ensuring universal access to safe, effective and quality vaccines.

Teachers, key partners in HPV vaccination:
A girl receives the HPV vaccine in a school in Montevideo, Uruguay. When vaccination is carried out in schools, teachers play a critical role in informing girls and ensuring successful vaccination.

HPV vaccine for the daughter, screening for the mother:
Elizabeth, a nurse in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, counsels a mother and her daughter about the HPV vaccine and screening. Cervical cancer prevention should be addressed in a comprehensive manner, informing women about the preventive actions available throughout the life course.

Informing women about screening:
A doctor in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, informs a women on how a persistent infection with HPV can progress to precancerous lesions, emphasizing the importance of having a screening examination.

Screening and timely treatment of precancerous lesions:
Anna, a medical doctor in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, examines a woman and treats her for a precancerous lesion detected upon screening. Services to screen and treat women detected with precancerous can be delivered in primary care centers.

Strengthening colposcopy services:
A woman undergoes a colposcopic evaluation, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. PAHO has supported the ministries of health in strengthening colposcopy services so more women have access to these services.

Beyond screening, follow-up care:
Lourdes from Mexico City, receives a follow-up examination after an abnormal screening test. Follow-up and treatment of women with abnormal screening results is essential to reduce mortality from cervical cancer.

Beyond the health center:
Maribel, a medical doctor, explains the benefits of cervical cancer screening to a group in a rural area of Chuquisaca, Bolivia. Information and education about cervical cancer needs to be promoted in all communities, especially those living in vulnerable conditions.

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