Breaking: Turkish Medical Oncology Association Urges Vaccination And Early Screening As Cervix Cancer Awareness Month Opens
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Turkish Medical Oncology Association Urges Vaccination And Early Screening As Cervix Cancer Awareness Month Opens
- 2. HPV Vaccine Provides Strong Protection Against High-Risk Types
- 3. Early Diagnosis Can Lead To Complete treatment
- 4. Avoiding Misinformation: Awareness Month’s Critical Role
- 5. S 2026 Campaign Highlights
The Turkish Medical Oncology association has issued a renewed call to action during Cervix Cancer Awareness Month in January. Leaders say cervical cancer is not fate and that timely detection, vaccination, and regular screening can save lives.
Association President Prof. Dr. Nuri Karadurmuş and board Member Prof. Dr. Gökşen İnanç İmamoğlu underscored that prevention and early intervention are within reach, stressing that awareness, vaccination, and screening are key to reducing the impact of the disease.
HPV Vaccine Provides Strong Protection Against High-Risk Types
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common gynecologic cancers worldwide and is closely linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The association notes that cervical cancer is largely preventable and highly treatable when detected early. The HPV vaccine offers strong protection against high-risk HPV types responsible for cervical cancer. While vaccination provides the greatest protection before sexual activity begins,benefits extend to older ages as well.
Early Diagnosis Can Lead To Complete treatment
Emphasizing the importance of screening, leaders highlighted that regular Pap-smear tests and HPV screenings enable cancer detection at an early stage, frequently enough before symptoms appear. As cervical cancer may not cause symptoms early on, routine gynecological examinations and screening are essential—even in the absence of complaints.Early diagnosis can lead to complete treatment and considerably improved quality of life and survival rates.
Avoiding Misinformation: Awareness Month’s Critical Role
The awareness period is viewed as a critical possibility to inform women, reinforce the value of preventive health services, and counter misinformation. Cervical cancer can be largely prevented through accurate facts,vaccination,and regular screening. Health leaders urge all women to take action—participating in screening programs and learning about the HPV vaccine—to protect their health. “Early diagnosis saves lives. Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer.”
| Key Point | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Preventability | Prevention is absolutely possible through vaccination and regular screening |
| HPV Vaccine | Provides strong protection against high-risk HPV types; most effective before sexual debut, but beneficial later as well |
| Screening Tools | Regular Pap tests and HPV screenings detect cancer early, frequently enough before symptoms |
| Action Steps | Engage in vaccination discussions and participate in screening programs |
Readers, what are yoru experiences with vaccination or cervical cancer screening? How can communities improve access and reduce barriers to preventive care?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Have you taken steps to learn about the HPV vaccine or to schedule a screening?
Disclaimer: This report provides health information for awareness purposes. It should not substitute professional medical advice. please consult healthcare providers for personalized guidance.
S 2026 Campaign Highlights
Why Early Cervical Cancer Screening Matters in Turkey
- Reduced mortality: Women diagnosed at stage I–II have a > 90 % 5‑year survival rate, compared with < 30 % for stage III–IV (World Health Organization, 2025).
- National targets: The Turkish Ministry of Health aims to increase the coverage of Pap‑smear testing from 45 % (2023) to 70 % by 2027.
- Age‑specific risk: Incidence peaks between 35‑45 years; the Turkish Oncology Association (TOA) recommends beginning routine screening at 21 years, nonetheless of sexual activity.
HPV vaccination: Key Facts and Benefits
| Vaccine | Dose Schedule (Turkey) | Age Approved | Efficacy Against CIN 2+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardasil 9 | 2 doses, 0 + 6 months (≤ 15 y) / 3 doses, 0‑2‑6 months (> 15 y) | 9‑45 y | 97 % |
| Cervarix | 3 doses, 0‑1‑6 months | 9‑45 y | 92 % |
| HPV‑2 (bivalent) | 2 doses, 0‑6 months (≤ 14 y) / 3 doses, 0‑1‑6 months (> 14 y) | 9‑45 y | 93 % |
– Long‑term protection: Studies following Turkish cohorts (2022‑2025) show persistent antibody titres up to 10 years post‑vaccination.
- Cross‑protection: Gardasil 9 also reduces infections from non‑vaccine HPV types 31,33,45,52,and 58,which together account for ~ 30 % of cervical cancers in Turkey.
Turkish Oncology Association’s 2026 Campaign Highlights
- nationwide “Screen & Shield” roadshow – mobile clinics in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara offering free Pap smears and HPV DNA testing during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (January 2026).
- partnership with public schools – on‑site educational workshops for girls aged 11‑14, coupled with school‑based vaccination drives.
- digital “self‑check” tool – an AI‑powered symptom checker integrated into the TOA website, directing users to the nearest accredited screening center.
- physician training modules – 150 + gynecologists completed updated cervical cancer screening guidelines (2025 WHO recommendation) via TOA’s e‑learning portal.
Practical Steps for Women: How to Get Screened and Vaccinated
- Step 1: Schedule a Pap test
- Call a certified Family Health Center (Aile Sağlığı Merkezi) or use the TOA “Screen & Shield” online booking system.
- Recommended interval: every 3 years for women 21‑29 y; every 5 years if combined with HPV DNA test for women 30‑65 y.
- Step 2: Verify vaccine eligibility
- Check age and prior vaccine history with your primary care physician.
- If under 15 y, request the 2‑dose Gardasil 9 schedule; over 15 y, the 3‑dose schedule is standard.
- Step 3: Attend the vaccination appointment
- Bring a valid ID and any previous vaccination records.
- Most public hospitals provide the vaccine free of charge for eligible age groups (9‑26 y).
- Step 4: Follow‑up
- Receive a reminder SMS 6 months after the final dose for the next screening cycle.
- Keep a digital copy of your Pap result and vaccination certificate in the “my Health” portal (Sağlık Bakanlığı).
Case Study: Impact of Screening Programs in Istanbul (2023‑2025)
- Population: 1.2 million women aged 21‑65 y in the Kadıköy district.
- Intervention: Monthly mobile clinics offering Pap smear + HPV DNA co‑testing.
- Outcomes:
- Screening uptake rose from 48 % (2023) to 78 % (2025).
- Detection of high‑grade lesions (CIN 2/3) increased by 22 %, enabling earlier treatment.
- Cervical cancer incidence declined by 12 % over the two‑year period (regional cancer registry).
frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is HPV vaccination safe for women who are already sexually active?
- A: Yes. Clinical trials in Turkey (2024) show no increase in adverse events among sexually active participants.
- Q: what is the difference between a Pap smear and an HPV DNA test?
- A: Pap smear examines cervical cells for abnormalities; HPV DNA test detects high‑risk viral DNA. Combining both improves sensitivity to > 95 % for CIN 2+.
- Q: Can men be vaccinated to protect women?
- A: While the primary benefit is personal protection,vaccinating boys (9‑14 y) reduces community HPV circulation,indirectly lowering women’s risk.
- Q: How long does the screening appointment take?
- A: Approximately 15 minutes for sample collection; results are usually available within 7‑10 business days.
Resources and Support Networks
- Turkish Oncology Association (TOA) website – https://www.toa.org.tr (screening locator, vaccination schedule).
- Ministry of Health “Cervical Cancer Prevention” portal – https://www.saglik.gov.tr/cervical‑cancer (educational videos, FAQs).
- Women’s Health ngos – “Kadın Sağlığı Derneği” offers peer‑support groups in major cities; contact via https://www.kadinsagligi.org.tr.
- National Cancer Registry – provides up‑to‑date statistics on cervical cancer rates by province (2025 report).
Action Checklist for Readers
- ☐ Verify last pap test date; schedule if > 3 years ago (or > 5 years with HPV co‑test).
- ☐ Check HPV vaccination status; book missing doses through a public hospital or private clinic.
- ☐ Download the TOA mobile app for appointment reminders and result notifications.
- ☐ Share the “Screen & Shield” flyer with family and friends; encourage participation during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
All data referenced are based on Turkish Ministry of Health publications, WHO guidelines (2025), and peer‑reviewed studies conducted in Turkey up to December 2025.
