January is traditionally recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, aimed at raising women's awareness about the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of this disease.

Last week, an initiative by the Odessa Health Department led to a Cervical Cancer Prevention Day in the city’s medical facilities. Women were given the opportunity to undergo free gynecological examinations with cytological testing and consult a physician.

As a result of the event, 655 women underwent gynecological screenings, with 495 women receiving cytological tests. During these examinations, 223 cases of reproductive system diseases were discovered, including 12 cases suspected of oncological pathology. Patients were referred for further examination and consultation with specialists at specialized facilities.

Cytological research revealed 365 cases of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system, 66 cases of cervical dysplasia of various degrees, two cases of oncopathology, and one case of pre-oncopathology.
 
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Cervical cancer is one of the most aggressive oncological pathologies. However, this disease can be prevented through vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) and regular screenings.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
1. Medical - presence of HPV, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, treatment of cervical dysplasia, family history of cervical cancer.
2. Behavioral and social - early sexual activity (under 18), early pregnancy (under 20), smoking; prolonged stress, sexual or other violence against women, special working conditions involving carcinogens.

Starting January 1, 2025, Ukraine will implement a comprehensive system for the prevention and early diagnosis of cervical cancer based on modern scientific approaches and WHO recommendations. Cervical cancer screening will be included in the list of medical services provided by primary healthcare providers, involving primary and secondary prevention.

Primary prevention involves a survey every five years to identify risk factors and symptoms among women aged 21-35 during visits to family doctors or gynecologists, as well as utilizing telemedicine. If risk factors are identified, the woman will be referred for examination (Pap test or PCR). 

Secondary prevention includes mandatory Pap tests or PCR:
- for women aged 30-35 up to 55 years - once every 10 years;
- for women over 25 living with HIV/AIDS - once every five years;
- for women aged 21-35 with risk factors or symptoms - immediately.

If test results are positive, the patient is referred to an oncologist for further diagnosis and treatment.
According to the Center for Public Health of Ukraine, 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus. The disease can be effectively prevented through vaccination, which is most effective in adolescence.

In Odessa, an innovative vaccination program for girls and boys aged 9-14 against HPV has been launched at the expense of the city budget under the targeted program “Health.” Vaccination provides effective lifelong protection against oncological and other diseases of the reproductive system. For consultations and to schedule vaccinations, please contact the pediatrician at the city’s children's clinic.