200 women die of cervical cancer in Armenia every year
About 385 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Armenia every year. More than 200 women annually die of cancer in the country.
With prevalence among women aged 15-24 years, cervical cancer is the second after breast cancer. It is the second most common type of cancer among women, with 86% of cases reported in developed countries. It takes the lives of 250 000 women every year.
If not treated in due time, cervical cancer can lead to death. It is easily detected at the initial stage. Cervical cells change slowly and take many years to develop into cancer cells, making cervical cancer a preventable disease.
A smear test is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes and is the most efficient way to detect changes in the cells before they become cancer cells.
These early changes are then monitored and treated if necessary.
The European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is scheduled for 24 - 30 January 2011. Organised by the European Cervical Cancer Association, the event aims to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the preventative value of having a regular smear test.
