The Bolívar Governorate and the Serena del Mar Hospital launch a campaign for the prevention of cervical cancer.

This initiative aims to prevent cervical cancer and promote early detection among women in the department of Bolívar, emphasizing the importance of the HPV vaccine and routine medical exams, such as Pap smears.

Friday, July 26, 2024. Given the reality of 30,997 cases of cervical cancer in Colombia, with an incidence of 14.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to figures from the Ombudsman's Office as of March 2024, the Bolívar Governor's Office, through its Secretariat for Women and Social Development, with the support of the Serena del Mar Hospital, launched the "Take Control" campaign in the municipalities of Magangué and Mompox. The campaign's goal is to promote prevention and encourage early detection of cervical cancer in the department of Bolívar.

Cervical cancer is a disease where cells in the cervix multiply uncontrollably and form malignant masses or tumors. It's important to note that the cervix is ​​located above the vagina and allows menstrual blood to flow out.

According to Dr. Angelina Álvarez, Oncologist and Coordinator of the Cancer Institute at Serena del Mar Hospital, cervical cancer originates from persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). “More than one hundred types of this virus have been identified. Some can cause benign lesions such as genital warts or condylomas, while others, around fourteen types, can contribute to the development of precancerous lesions or cervical cancer,” she adds. HPV vaccination and screening tests, such as the Pap smear, are effective strategies for preventing this type of cancer. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to a cure.

Take control!

Through the inter-institutional campaign ‘Take Control,’ women in Bolívar are invited to reflect on their health and the importance of gynecological exams. The campaign also aims to empower and educate them about cervical cancer.

Through recreational activities, educational talks, and reflection sessions with women from municipalities in Bolívar, the team from the Bolívar Governor's Office of Women and Social Development and the Serena del Mar Hospital are sharing information about the main causes of this type of cancer, recommendations for early detection, and the importance of preventing teenage pregnancy. A vaccination drive is also being promoted in conjunction with the Departmental Health Secretariat, highlighting the importance of HPV vaccination for children and adolescents, and dispelling myths surrounding the disease and its vaccine.

Nataly Bustillo, Secretary of Women and Social Development, emphasized that the objective of this campaign is “to raise awareness and educate the community about cervical cancer, promoting its prevention and screening programs, to protect and preserve the lives of the people of Bolívar, in accordance with our Government Plan; that is why we will be reaching out to educational institutions to encourage vaccination and promote awareness of the sexual and reproductive rights of women in Bolívar from an early age,” she stated.

For her part, Dr. Angelina Álvarez highlighted that “cervical cancer has become a public health problem. According to WHO figures, as of 2022, this type of cancer is the third most frequent type in women in Colombia. If it is not prevented, detected, and treated in time, the possibility of a cure is low and it can lead to the patient's death.”