The Ministry of Health of Jujuy announced on March 27 that regular medical check-ups, including Pap smears and HPV tests, are available at all primary care centers and hospitals in the province. The announcement coincides with World Cervical Cancer Prevention Day, observed every March 26.
Health officials say that attending medical controls at least twice a year is essential for timely treatment and improved quality of life, especially for women between the ages of 30 and 60. This age group records the highest incidence of cervical cancer.
The ministry outlined several strategies to promote preventive care throughout the province. These include active outreach for regular Pap smear screenings, appropriate follow-up procedures, triage controls for those with positive self-tests, and ongoing management in cases where pathological results are found.
Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cell growth in the cervix caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is common among both men and women and is transmitted through sexual contact. According to health authorities, eight out of ten people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases, the virus disappears without symptoms; however, about five percent develop lesions that may eventually become cancerous over a period estimated between ten to twenty years.
In Argentina, cervical cancer ranks as the third most frequent cancer among women and is responsible for the fifth highest number of female cancer deaths annually. Each year sees approximately 4,600 new cases diagnosed and more than 2,200 deaths attributed to this disease.
Prevention methods emphasized by health officials include Pap smears starting at age 25—recommended even after menopause—as well as free HPV testing provided across public healthcare facilities. Vaccination against HPV is also available free-of-charge and mandatory for boys and girls aged eleven years old when supplied by national health authorities.
