Sofia, January 25-31 2015
Annually about 60,000 women get infected, and 30,000 die from cervical cancer in Europe. The total number of women with cervical cancer in our continent is over 225,000. It is important to know that the incidence of cervical cancer varies widely, and in some countries in Eastern Europe, it is two to five times higher than in the old EU member states (EU-15). These differences are largely due to the presence or absence of prevention and screening programs.The cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and is a sexually transmitted infection. Infection can be prevented - in Bulgaria cervical cancer vaccine is available since 2012 for all girls aged 12 as part of the National immunization calendar. According to data from MoH, since the beginning of the campaign until December 31 2014, over 13 000 12 year-old girls have been vaccinated against cervical cancer.
Key prevention measure for women in reproductive age is the PAP smear – all women have to submit themselves periodically to this most important diagnostic method.
BFPA traditionally supports the European Week for Cervical Cancer Prevention. The campaign always goes at the end of January and its symbol, in 2015 and in the years before, is the Pearl of Wisdom. It is important to have responsible behavior towards our health not only during the Prevention week, but all year long!
