From next January Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program from Navarre will also invite women aged 30 to participateso that from this date the target population is made up of all women residing in the Foral Community aged between 30 and 65.
Concretely, in 2025, it is planned to invite 35,648 women for screening, or some 3,000 more than in 2024 – a figure which corresponds to the women who will be 30 next yearwhich will be included for the first time in this screening.
This program, attached to the Institute of Public and Professional Health of Navarre (ISPLN)began operating in January 2023 and its main objective is to reduce the incidence and mortality of this type of cancer at the population level.
Since its beginnings and until June 2024, according to the provisional data provided by the Early Detection section of the ISPLN47,005 women were invited and participation in the age groups in which the two sample delivery reminder letters were sent was 70%.
6 malignant tumors diagnosed so far
The primary screening test is the detection of certain High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) serotypes. To do this, participating women can opt for self-sampling, which 95% have chosen so far, or make an appointment for a sample with a healthcare professional, an option for which 5% have opted. In the event of a positive result, cytology is indicated as a secondary examination to carry out precise surveillance by the health system.
Concerning the provisional results obtained during the first 17 months of operation of the program, 4.5% of tests for detection of high-risk HPV were positive. As a result, 1,228 cytology tests were performed as a secondary test after a positive HPV and 347 women were referred for colposcopy (diagnosis confirmation test). So, until now, 6 malignant tumors were confirmed.
More than 172,000 women invited to the first round
In this first phase of the program, which will end in December 2027, it is planned to reach more than 172,000 women residing in Navarre with aged between 30 and 65. Thus, at the age of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 years old, they will receive a letter with the invitation, materials and instructions to carry out a home sample themselves (self- collection), which they can deliver to the Network of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Centers (CASSyR)at the ISPLN (Calle Bergamín 2 bis, Pamplona / Iruña), in health centers and clinics in rural areas where there is no CASSyR reference and, in Pamplona, in the health centers of San Juan , Txantrea and Rochapea. It will also be possible to request an appointment for a sample collection by a professional from your CASSyR reference. If you choose this second method, you must call 848 423 498, from ISPLN, to make an appointment.
THE close collaboration between all health workers involved (Public Health, Gynecology Services of the three public hospitals, Pathological Anatomy Service of HUN, CASSyR and Primary Care) is essential to achieve the objectives set in the program, such as reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. uterus, the reduction in mortality due to this cause. and improve the quality of life of patients diagnosed with this disease.
An awareness campaign begins
However, reaching a high level the participation of women in the program is decisive. It is for this reason that the ISPLN will develop a bilingual campaign to strengthen awareness among the target population. This promotion, which will last two weeks, includes advertisements on general radio stations, regional urban transport, bus shelters and social networks. Likewise, thanks to the collaboration of Pamplona City Hall, this will also be the case in three municipal parking spaces.
With that expansion of the target population This screening of women between 30 and 34 years old is in accordance with the document approved in January 2024 by the Public Health Commission of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System. The population of women between 25 and 29 years old, for their part, depending on their vaccination status, will continue cytology every 3 years or will join screening with determination of HPV at the age of 30 years.
Navarra records 16 cases of cervical cancer per year
According to data from Cancer Registry of the Institute of Public and Professional Health of Navarraevery year, approximately 16 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed in women residing in the Foral Community, so that it occupies the 20th position in frequency among the different types of cancer in the female population. The adjusted rate stands at 4.8 cases per 100,000 women per year and has remained stable over the past decade. The latest survival data indicates that 7 in 10 women have cervical cancer They are still alive 5 years after diagnosis.
On the other hand, according to data from the Mortality Register, the average number of deaths due to this cancer was 3 per year in 2020-2022. The annual mortality rate from this cancer has decreased 28% over the last two decades, going from 1.9 deaths per 100,000 women in 2000-2004 to 1.4 per 100,000 in 2020-2022.
The ISPLN recalls that some Human papillomavirus which are transmitted through sexual relationscause cervical cancerthis is why the application of primary prevention measures, such as vaccination, is a key element for its control, in addition to the use of condoms accompanied by education on healthy sexuality.
Likewise, the early detection of cervical cancer has been shown to be effective and effectiveness, managing to significantly reduce mortality, which is why this strategy, combined with vaccination, is considered an effective form of control for the possible eradication of this disease.
