Vaccination vital for cervical cancer

CERVICAL cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women in Papua New Guinea, therefore vaccination is important, a official says.
The cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and a vaccination pilot programme will be carried out in Milne Bay by the Spacim Pikinini Inc (SPI) with funding support from Steamships Ltd.
Steamships corporate affairs general manager David Toua said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Spacim Pikinini Inc and Rotary Club with this ground breaking initiative.
“For years we have seen awareness around cervical cancer being delivered but the introduction of a vaccination programme now means that lives will be saved.
“Let us hope this can be the catalyst for our health authorities to introduce programmes nationally,” he said. The development of a safe, highly effective vaccine for HPV means that with awareness and treatment, deaths will be reduced with the long-term potential to eventually eliminate cervical cancer.
The SPI chief executive officer and founder, Wendy Stein was delighted with the support of Steamships and said cervical cancer vaccination was a relatively safe and simple procedure that saved lives.
“The impact on our community here in Milne Bay will be profound,” she said.
“We are grateful for the generosity of Steamships through their community grants programme.”
The programme provides financial support to not-for-profit organisations and initiatives that deliver impactful, measurable and sustainable projects to the people.