Public Health Worcestershire have recently collaborated with the global pharmaceutical company MSD to celebrate its progress towards eliminating cervical cancer – which has led to an estimated 850 cervical cancer deaths each year – more than two women every day in England.
Virtually every case of cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This does however mean that we have the tools to prevent – and eventually eliminate – cervical cancer cases.
Due to the burden of cervical cancer and the potential for prevention, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a global strategy for cervical cancer elimination, which aims to have 90% of girls covered with an HPV vaccination by age 15 and 70% of women screened at the ages of 35 and 45.ii
Against declining human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical screening coverage rates in many parts of the country, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Worcestershire is a clear success story. In 2021/22, 93.2% of Year 9 girls received 1 dose of the HPV vaccineiii and 73.4% of women aged 25-49 were screened for cervical cancer, putting Worcestershire firmly on the path to meeting cervical cancer elimination targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and bucking the national trend of declining vaccination and screening rates across England.
The celebratory event was held in partnership with Dr Mubasshir Ajaz, Head of Health and Communities at West Midlands Combined Authority (WCMA) and looked at the factors behind local progress towards cervical cancer elimination in Worcestershire and our neighbour Dudley.
New ways to improve access to cervical screening in Worcestershire include:
- ‘Extended access’ initiatives, offering evening clinics between 5.30 and 7.30 pm, as well as on Saturday mornings, to capture single and busy mums struggling to attend cervical screening appointments.
- Pioneering “pink party” scheme launched by Worcester’s local primary care network (PCN), in partnership with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, earlier this year. The parties aim to provide drop-in clinics over the weekend encouraging women to attend their cervical screening appointments.
Matthew Fung, Consultant in Public Health, Worcestershire County Council said:
“Worcestershire and the wider West Midlands continues to focus on eliminating cervical cancer through cervical screening and HPV vaccination. Delivering these services in accessible and effective ways is essential to ensure maximum protection against cervical cancer. I look forward to continued work with local and regional colleagues to ensure all eligible people have ample opportunity to receive these potentially lifesaving interventions – regardless of their background.”