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bangkok, Thailand – A new public health campaign, “HPV Know Now,” is urging Thai women to prioritize cervical cancer screening, addressing a critical gap in preventative healthcare. Launched recently, the initiative emphasizes early detection as a key factor in improving treatment outcomes and reducing mortality rates from this preventable disease.
Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern for women in Thailand, with approximately 5,000 new cases diagnosed annually and over 2,000 deaths, according to data from the National Cancer Registry of Thailand (2022 figures). The primary cause of most cervical cancers is persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The “HPV Know Now” campaign aims to raise awareness about HPV, its link to cervical cancer, and the importance of regular screening.
The campaign encourages women to “dare to check” for themselves, promoting proactive health management. Available screening methods in Thailand include Pap tests, HPV DNA testing, and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Healthcare professionals recommend that women begin cervical cancer screening at age 30, or earlier if they have specific risk factors, such as early sexual activity or a compromised immune system.
“Early detection is crucial,” explains Dr. Sirirat jaru-amporn, a gynecologist at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok.”When cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment is often highly effective. Regular screening allows us to identify precancerous changes and intervene before cancer develops.”
The “HPV Know Now” campaign highlights the availability of HPV vaccines, which can protect against the most common high-risk HPV types. The Ministry of Public Health currently includes HPV vaccination as part of the national immunization program for girls in Prathom 6 (Grade 6), typically around age 12. However, vaccination is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity.