January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and it aims to increase awareness about cervical cancer, HPV, and the importance of early detection.
Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina) and almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
Despite being a preventable and curable disease, there is a significant amount of cases of cervical cancer – this type of cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally.
Screening and prevention have greatly reduced the impact of this form of cancer and are key components of the effort to eradicate cervical cancer. Since almost all cases of the disease are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, vaccines that protect against the virus could prevent the vast majority of cases. Regular Pap tests can also catch and lead to the treatment of the disease at the precancerous stage.
When diagnosed in the early stages, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care.
GCT is proud to take active part in cancer research and drug development. For more information about our experience in oncology trials, please contact us at bd@gctrials.com.