The Urgent Need for Action: Cervical Cancer in the Dominican Republic

Cervical cancer remains a critical public health concern in the Dominican Republic, ranking as the second leading cause of gynecological cancer-related deaths. The primary culprit behind this disease is persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Recent data underscores the severity of the situation, with 967 new cases and 622 deaths attributed to cervical cancer in 2022 alone, according to Globocan.

National Strategy: A Multi-Pronged approach to Elimination

In response to these alarming statistics, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of public Health, in collaboration with the World Health Institution (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has launched the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2020-2030. This comprehensive strategy aligns with global efforts to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue.

The 90-70-90 Goals: Aspiring Targets for Prevention and Treatment

The National Plan is structured around the ambitious 90-70-90 targets:

• 90% HPV Vaccination: Immunizing 90% of girls aged 9-14 years against HPV. The Directorate of Immunoprevenable for Vaccines (DIV) oversees this crucial initiative, which has recently expanded to include boys in the same age group.
• 70% Screening Coverage: Screening 70% of women within the prioritized population using high-precision HPV tests.
• 90% Treatment Access: Ensuring that 90% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer receive appropriate and timely treatment.

Enhancing Detection and Treatment: New Guidelines and Programs

The Ministry of Public Health recently unveiled its “Clinical Practice Guide for Decreasing, Detection and Treatment of Precancerous Lesions for Cervical Cancer Prevention.” This guide provides evidence-based recommendations for effective screening, early detection, and treatment of precancerous lesions, ultimately aiming to prevent the progression to invasive cervical cancer.

Chequéate Program: Bringing Screening to the Community

Further bolstering detection efforts is the “Chequéate” program, spearheaded by First Lady Raquel Arbage. This initiative, implemented by the National Health Service across nine prioritized hospitals, focuses on the timely detection of cervical, breast, and prostate cancers. By bringing screening services directly to communities, the program aims to improve access and encourage early detection.

The Role of HPV Vaccination: A Cornerstone of Prevention

HPV vaccination is a critical component of cervical cancer prevention. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause the majority of cervical cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV vaccines can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers when given at the recommended ages. The Dominican Republic’s inclusion of both girls and boys in the HPV vaccination program is a significant step towards achieving long-term reductions in cervical cancer incidence.