Bhutan’s cervical cancer screening program began with nationwide Pap smear testing in 2006, followed by an HPV vaccination program in 2010 achieving 97% coverage among adolescent girls. Despite this, cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among Bhutanese women, with significant mortality in older age groups. To enhance detection, HPV-DNA testing was introduced in 2020, […]
Topic: 2. Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening in Madhya Pradesh, India
The presentation highlighted the significant cervical cancer burden in India, where over 77,000 women died in 2020, largely due to low awareness and limited access to affordable preventive services. In Madhya Pradesh, the state program focuses on four pillars: universal screening of women over 30, accurate diagnosis and treatment for positives, regular follow-up, and periodic […]
Cervical cancer screening programs implementation – Q&A Session
The session highlighted the uneven progress of cervical cancer screening across South Asia, emphasizing both achievements and persistent challenges. Bhutan’s transition to HPV-based screening, combined with high vaccination coverage, was presented as a regional benchmark for integrated prevention. In contrast, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal continue to rely primarily on VIA-based programs, which face obstacles in […]