Only 35% of Eligible Women Have Taken Free HPV Tests

Cervical cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges facing women, yet it is also one of the most preventable. Approximately 90% of cervical cancer cases are directly linked to high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). By targeting the virus before it leads to cellular abnormalities, healthcare systems can significantly reduce both diagnosis rates and mortality.

Dr Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health and Wellness, said on Monday’s premiere episode of The Hope Hour that Belize has committed to eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. “While we may not get to that point, we are very hopeful that we will reduce the number significantly,” she added. 

She said the primary breakthrough in adult screening access has been the introduction of free HPV self-test swabs for women between the ages of 30 and 49. Unlike traditional Pap smears, which require a physical exam by a provider to look for abnormal cell changes, the self-test allows women to collect their own sample privately.

“The nurse or doctor would give you the swab, you go to the bathroom, you do your own swab, and you bring it back and you give it to the healthcare provider, and you usually get a result within one to two weeks,” she said. 

According to Diaz-Musa, only about one in three eligible Belizean women has taken the free test. 

“We have about 62,000 women in that age range. And so far as of 2023, when we really ruled it out, we have approximately 22,000 women already doing their HPV. So it’s about 35%,” Dias-Musa said. 

Belize’s only oncologist Dr Ramon Yacab says the test catches problems earlier than a Pap smear. A Pap looks for cell changes the virus has already caused.

 “Why do we aim for the HPV testing?” Dr Yacab asked, adding “When we do the HPV testing, we’re going to the source. We’re seeing if you have a risk of developing precancerous lesions in the future or not, or if you have a high-risk virus. So here, it’s important that every woman does their HPV testing.” 

The Hope Hour airs every second Monday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm on Greater Belize Media. Viewers can also watch on the News 5 Live Facebook page and GBMLivestream on YouTube.