Slovenia well on its way to eliminating cervical cancer

Slovenia is getting closer to realizing the ambitious goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) – complete elimination of cervical cancer. According to the 2020 global strategy, three key goals must be achieved: 90 % of the girls’ vaccination up to 15. Against HPV, 70 % participation of women in screening programs and appropriate treatment of more than 90 percent of the discovered change.

According to Zora, Slovenia is on a very good way. The three -year review of women, aged 20 to 64, was 74.4 percent between 2020 and 2023, exceeding the international goal. About 1,500 precancerous changes in high -stage changes are detected annually – this goal is therefore already largely fulfilled.

With its results and efforts, Slovenia proves that through a coordinated part of the profession, local communities and individuals, we can achieve goals that may seem unattainable. Continuing awareness and spreading access to vaccination and screening programs is the key to a cervical company without cervical cancer.

Acknowledgments for municipalities leading by example

At the ceremonial session of the Association of Slovenian Cancer Societies, chaired dr. Urška Ivanusten awards were given to the municipalities, which had already achieved the first two goals of the WHO. The recipients are: Braslovče, Dobje, Nazarje, Benedict, Cerkvenjak, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Kobilje, Velika Polana, Črna na Koroškem and Vuzenica.

Although they have not yet achieved all three goals, these municipalities are an important role model for good practices and show that high public health standards can be achieved through joint efforts.

Outstanding individuals and organizations

Acknowledgments were also given to deserving individuals and institutions that significantly contribute to raising awareness and preventing cervical cancer. Special recognition has received dr. Nadja Šinkovec Zorko for his many years of work in the field of public health and the promotion of vaccination.

Winners of awards who, through their work, made a significant contribution to raising awareness and preventing cervical cancer. Photo: Archive of the Union of Regional Cancer Societies

The recipients of the awards also include the Health Education Coordinator Karmen Petek, Tim from Dravograd for additional vaccination of children, digital portal Maribor24.si and health professionals Mag. Frank Kristofelc, Ph.D. Rajko Golobinek and volunteer Mateja Učakar, which has been devoting its energy to cancer for over 15 years.

Vaccination saves life

One of the key pillars in the fight against cervical cancer is HPV vaccination. In Slovenia, a 9-valent vaccine for girls and boys in 6th grade of elementary school is available free of charge, and delays and delays up to 26 years of age can be vaccinated. Experts point out that the vaccine is safe, effective and that it prevents infections that can lead to cancer development.

“Vaccination is the best protection we have. Therefore, it is extremely important that as many children and young people as possible take this opportunity, « emphasized Dr. Šinkovec Zorko.