Argentine focus on cervical screening:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Argentina's "high-complexity medical diagnostics institute" (IAMA) conducted ad hoc Papanicolaou (Pap) smear tests, human papilloma virus (HPV) screening and colposcopies over two days last week, in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of HPV and cervical cancer. The national incidence of HPV infections is currently 16.7%, says the health ministry, noting that the high rates (in the under-25-year age range) make cervical cancer the earliest form of cancer-related death among Argentine women. With early detection, however, the disease can be treated and managed, the Buenos Aires-based IAMA is stressing.