BELGRADE: As the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is observed from January 20 to 26, the Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut" has disclosed alarming statistics: annually in Serbia, an average of 1,163 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, resulting in 459 fatalities, according to today's announcement.

The cancer registry's latest data indicates that cervical cancer frequently emerges from the age of 35, with the highest age-specific incidence rates among those aged 50 to 59. In terms of mortality, rates increase from age 45, peaking between 70 and 75 years, per the Batut Institute’s website report.

From 2008 to 2022, the number of cervical cancer cases in Serbia has largely remained stable.

However, deaths have decreased by 20.2%, possibly due to increased awareness, timely medical examinations, and effective treatment upon early detection.

The World Health Organization prioritizes a comprehensive approach, advocating for early detection, treatment of pre-cancerous and cancerous changes through screening, HPV vaccination, and palliative care for affected women, encompassing symptom management, and psychological and social support.

According to Batut, the HPV vaccine prevents over 90% of cervical cancer cases, and Serbia is among 140 countries offering this vaccine through state funding.

Early detection methods include Papanicolaou (PAP) and HPV tests.

Currently, Batut is coordinating free preventive testing for 10,000 women aged 30 to 65 in Belgrade and Niš through simultaneous HPV and PAP testing.

These preventive screenings, part of the "Cervical Cancer Screening" initiative, are supported by the Ministry of Health, the National Expert Commission for Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Serbian Medical Society - Section for Gynecology and Obstetrics, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Screening is being conducted at women’s health protection services in the Niš Health Center and Belgrade at the Serbia Railways Health Protection Institute and the Serbian Institute of Public Health "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut," designed for women aged 30 to 65.

Additionally, Batut and the Cancer Screening Office, in collaboration with a network of public health institutes and professionals, experts, and NGOs, will mark the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week with educational and promotional activities.

The primary objective is to enhance awareness and information regarding cervical cancer prevention, emphasizing that this malignancy is preventable.

Cervical cancer presents a significant public health challenge in Serbia.

According to the European Cancer Information System (ECIS) estimates, Serbia continues to have high incidence and mortality rates in Europe.

In 2022, cervical cancer ranked as the fourth most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer death among women in Serbia.