A recent article published in "COSMOS" delves into the inequalities of indigenous women around the globe with regards to cervical cancer. Specifically, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an initiative to eliminate cervical cancer globally by implementing 3 key steps.
vaccination
screening
treatment
However, the research done indicated that those three key steps were not being carried out adequately in indigenous populations.
“There are enormous equity issues in Australia,” says co-author Megan Smith, from CCNSW. “Aboriginal and Torres Islander women experience cervical cancer at the same rates as developing regions of the world, despite having access to the vaccination programs and screening programs.”
Further, the research revealed that, in Australia, there are several barriers that are preventing indigenous women from participating in cervical cancer screening.
speaking honestly about screening
trusting relationships with healthcare providers
logistical challenges
privacy concerns
In their paper the researchers conclude, “We urge the international community to hold individual countries to account for not only meeting their elimination targets, but meeting them for all women.”
At Women's Cancer Research Foundation we stress the importance of regular annual exams and speaking candidly with your healthcare provider regarding any suspicious. 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆! To learn more about cervical cancer, early signs and symptoms, screening, and treatment please visit our website.
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