This inequity turns cancer into a challenge that is both health and social, and therefore deserves the attention of all sectors. Within the framework of the Month of Action for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer and MSD's sustained commitment to health equity, the issue was analyzed at a meeting attended by the Argentine News Agency, organized in alliance with Vital Voices titled 'From Dialogue to Action: Challenges of Female Cancer in Argentina.' This is the second edition of a series of meetings that focus on women's cancers and the inequalities faced by vulnerable populations in Argentina, during which specialists expressed their concern over the fact that in Argentina, access to the detection and treatment of cancer varies according to socioeconomic level, medical coverage, and geographical area. However, they affirmed, it is possible for both individuals and governments to take effective measures to alleviate this situation. Cervical cancer represents one of the main threats to women's health both locally and globally, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease ranks third among the most common cancers in women in Argentina, with more than 4,600 diagnoses each year and nearly 2,500 associated deaths. According to the report 'Reducing the Equity Gap', prepared by Economist Impact and accessed by the Argentine News Agency, the prevalence rate for this type of cancer is 463.5, well above the Latin American average of 1,484. The study also reveals that inequalities in healthcare disproportionately affect women of low socioeconomic status, as well as different ethnic groups and those living in vulnerable areas of the country. In this context, prevention and vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and timely detection emerge as an effective response that can save lives, as it is the most relevant risk factor in the development of cervical cancer. From the perspective of the WHO and medical societies, actions must be directed through immunization, HPV tests, and timely access to appropriate treatment. In this sense, the goals are to vaccinate 90% of girls before age 15, test 70% of women between 35 and 45 years old, and provide timely treatment to 90% of people with lesions. This approach, which integrates primary prevention and early detection, will allow reducing the burden of cervical cancer from a change in social and health habits. The WHO estimates that 99% of these cases are linked to the presence of this virus, which is transmitted through sexual contact and is so common that it is estimated that 80% of people will contract it at some point in their lives. 'Raising awareness about HPV in both women and men is key to preventing various types of cancer, especially cervical cancer. Vaccination is one of the main tools to reduce the impact of cervical cancer. Various studies support the effectiveness of this measure to reduce the risk of developing the disease in later stages of life. In the last decade, progress has been made from the inclusion of vaccination in the Argentine National Calendar and sustained interdisciplinary work. Providing clear, evidence-based information allows us to build a positive narrative about HPV vaccination, regular medical check-ups, and the benefits of early detection,' emphasized Bugarín. As the report explains, women with lower incomes have fewer possibilities of accessing routine check-ups, and many arrive at the diagnosis in advanced stages, when therapeutic options are reduced. In this sense, health professionals and educational teams play a central role by providing clear information, dispelling doubts, and promoting vaccination. On the other hand, routine gynecological check-ups—such as the Pap smear and the HPV test—allow for early diagnosis and timely treatment of lesions, as they grant a significant advantage in the possibility of reversing or stopping a lesion in time. Main recommendations for prevention Among the main recommendations for preventing cervical cancer are completing the HPV vaccination schedule for both girls and boys, undergoing gynecological exams and detection tests according to age and personal history, and consulting a specialist for any change or unusual symptom. Additionally, professionals highlight the importance of promoting self-care, access to reliable information, and open dialogue in the family and social environment. 'Education is key to generating awareness. It is essential that the entire community has educational resources to prioritize health and break with myths,' explains Gabriela Bugarín (M.N. 71.988), Medical Director of Oncology at MSD Argentina.
