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Cervical Cancer: Preventable, Treatable, Beatable

January 27, 2025
Partnership

This is a guest (RED)ITORIAL written by Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics in honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. As a (RED) Champion, Pelly helps spread the word about (RED) and Roche’s shared mission to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics, strengthening healthcare systems, and making preventable and treatable disease preventable and treatable for everyone.

Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics
Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics

Her Life, Her Worth: The Fight Against Preventable Cervical Cancer

When I think of cervical cancer awareness campaigns, I’m inspired to follow the narrative of “saving the lives of our grandmothers, mothers, daughters, wives, aunts, sisters and friends.” But, I’m reminded of a challenge posed by a friend who once asked, “Why does a woman have to belong to someone in order to be of any value? Why can’t she just be worthy because she just is, without linking her to someone?” I found that question to be powerful. So, this (RED)ITORIAL is about saving the woman from preventable diseases, because she is worthy, by simply being… her.

When we talk about the importance of saving women from cervical cancer, it’s crucial to understand the underlying factors. Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is both preventable and treatable, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Also preventable and treatable is HIV, though nearly 4,000 girls and young women contract the virus every week. No woman should die from a disease that can be prevented, detected early and managed effectively. Unfortunately, with both cervical cancer and HIV/AIDS, the lack of awareness and health equity continue to result in preventable deaths.

Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Dual Threat of HIV and Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women in resource-limited settings, and the risk is even higher for women living with HIV. Women living with HIV are six times more likely to have an HPV infection progress to cervical cancer. This reality highlights the urgent need for integrated healthcare approaches that address both HIV and HPV infection.

By focusing on holistic healthcare models that incorporate integrated, regular testing for HIV and HPV, we can ensure that women receive comprehensive care with a large focus on screening, treatment, and support.

The Power of Prevention and Early Detection

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, thanks to advancements in HPV vaccines, routine screenings and early treatment. In my role in the diagnostics field, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how early screening through HPV DNA testing is crucial in ensuring women receive timely interventions. However, I’ve also seen the devastating impact of limited awareness and access, with many women presenting to clinics or hospitals only when their symptoms have become severe. Unfortunately, this late-stage diagnosis is far too common in my home continent, Africa.

Governments, healthcare organizations, and communities are coming together in an effort to bridge this gap. It is crucial that the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer reaches every corner of the world, so that no woman is left behind. The burden of cervical cancer is heaviest in regions where healthcare resources are scarce. Women in low- and middle-income countries often face significant barriers to accessing preventive care, from financial constraints to lack of healthcare infrastructure.

Tackling these inequities requires national commitments, continental efforts, global partnerships, increased funding, and innovative solutions that bring healthcare to the most underserved populations. By prioritizing both cervical cancer and HIV prevention, screening and treatment on a global scale, we can save lives and empower women to thrive.

The Urgency of Now

As we observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, I am reminded of the safety instruction on an airplane: “In case of emergency, secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.” So, to the woman reading this (RED)ITORIAL, I ask, “Have you been screened or vaccinated for HPV?” If your answer is yes, I encourage you to spread the message to others. To the man reading this, I ask, “Are you encouraging the women in your life to get screened?” Your support plays a vital role in empowering the women around you to prioritize their health—whether it’s getting vaccinated, encouraging others to schedule routine screenings, or supporting advocacy groups and local organizations dedicated to preventing cervical cancer.

For me, the fight against cancer became deeply personal on January 29, 2024, when I lost the greatest love of my life, my beloved Father, to prostate cancer. When I think of cancer, I often find myself in the second stage of grief: anger. But I’ve chosen to channel that anger into action, honoring his memory and the countless lives affected by this disease.

I invite you to join us on this journey, together, we can create a future where cervical cancer and HIV are no longer a threat to women’s lives.

Let us stand united in this fight for her… because she is simply worthy.