The Government of Guam has proclaimed January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to spotlight the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment.
Globally, Cervical cancer has claimed nearly 350,000 lives in 2022. In Guam, it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in 2023 and remains among the top 10 cancers diagnosed in women on the island.
Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable and curable when detected early. The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in reducing the disease’s prevalence worldwide. Guam’s proclamation aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Three Pillar Approach,” a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.
The approach focuses on three key measures: vaccination, screening and treatment. The Government of Guam intends to adopt these measures to improve outcomes on the island.
By 2030, WHO’s targets include vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, screening 70% of women by ages 35 and 45, treating 90% of women with precancerous conditions, and managing care for 90% of women with invasive cervical cancer.
Acting Governor Josh Tenorio spoke at the proclamation signing today, he said,
“We heard some promising data with the decrease in cases but the reality is we are living in a very very different and difficult time,” said acting governor, Josh Tenorio. “More people are skeptical of vaccines now after COVID than there ever were before. There are still large portions of our population that are especially dealing with socio economic challenges that don't have regular access to health care. Those are all challenges that many of us are focused on eliminating and addressing. But it does take a team.”
This proclamation also emphasizes Guam’s commitment to raising awareness, expanding access to care, and promoting health equity. Officials hope to increase education about cervical cancer risks and encourage preventative measures against the disease.
For more information, contact the Guam Cancer Registry at (671) 735-2988.