Cervical cancer is a threat to women in Moldova. The disease seriously affects the generation in the period of reproduction. About 4 000 women have been diagnosed with cervical cancer at different stages. About 1 000 women died from cervical cancer in Moldova during the past five years. In most of the cases, the women went to see a doctor too late, Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Svetlana Cebotari stated in a news conference held to mark the launch of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, IPN reports.

According to Svetlana Cebotari, women should realize the necessity of havening cervical cancer screening once in three years so as to prevent the diseases. The Papanicolau test and other prophylactic measures, such as a simple visit to the gynecologist, can reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer. “Society needs healthy women and girls so that there are healthy families,” stated Svetlana Cebotari.

Within the Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, the Ministry, in partnership with the UN Agency for Reproductive Rights and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, will stage a series of public events, such as information sessions and public lectures at local health centers, community libraries, enterprises, private companies and churches where women were invited to take part, and the broadcasting of an advertisement about cervical cancer on the radio and on television.

Larisa Catrinici, director of the Oncological Institute, said that despite the increased access to high-quality medical assistance and diagnostics, 40 of 330 new female patients diagnosed with cancer die the same year.

UNFPA Representative in Moldova Rita Columbia stated that over 700 women have the cervical screening test in Moldova daily and avoid the disease. However, a large part of the women go to see a doctor too late and many of these die. This year the UNFPA will carry out a national study of the behavior of women in the case of the refusal to see a doctor and prevent the disease.

Matthias Leichit, deputy director of the Swiss Cooperation Office, said the problem is bigger among women from rural areas who are less informed about cervical cancer and screening and have reduced access to medical services. The national resources allocated during the last few years to prevent the disease are insufficient as they didn’t reach all those who needed and a decline in the number of cases of cervical cancer could not be ensured.

The Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is staged during January 28 – February 3, before World Cancer Day that is celebrated on February 4.