Three women die from cervical cancer in Moldova every week even if this disease can be easily prevented. Annually about 300 women find out that they have to confront this disease, while in 60% of the cases the women go to see a doctor too late. Minister of Health Ruxanda Glavan told a news conference that the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week will be marked in Moldova during January 23-29 and a number of activities to inform women will be carried out within it, IPN reports.

Ruxanda Glavan said the disease develops slowly and without visible signs. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among women suffering from cancer, after breast cancer.

“We come with a profound message of solidarity with women who struggle with this disease and launch a series of public events aimed at increasing awareness of this disease among the female population,” stated the minister.

The Ministry of Health calls on the women aged between 25 and 61 to have the cervical cancer screening test that is free for all the women, even those who are medically uninsured.

Ruxanda Glavan said the cervical cancer screening programs can prevent up to 80% of the cases of disease. Specialists recommend having the screening test once in three years, but vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in adolescence is as important. In this connection, about 15,000 girls aged ten will be vaccinated in 2017-2018 to prevent cervical cancer. The Republic of Moldova will get by a consignment of vaccines against HPV during two years.

UNFPA Deputy Representative in Moldova Natalia Cojohari said the UNFPA supports the Ministry of Health in its efforts together with other partners so that each woman has access to high-quality services to prevent cervical cancer and remain healthy.

As many as 3,914 women were officially registered as suffering from cervical cancer in Moldova in 2015. Of these, 290 were new cases. Cancer affects mainly young women.