Focusing on You: Sylvester and World Health Organization Team Up to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate director for Population Sciences and Cancer Disparity at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, explains how a new collaboration between Sylvester and the World Health Organization is aimed at eliminating cervical cancer by the year 2030.

MEET RACHEL BURFIELD

Rachel Burfield was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 31. “I froze once he said he was pretty sure that it was cancer,” says Rachel.

Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H., Sylvester’s associate director for Population Sciences and Cancer Disparity, says too many women are still dying from this preventable cancer.

“Worldwide, cervical cancer remains the number one cause of cancer mortality for women. And this is really a shame because cervical cancer is in fact preventable and we have an obligation and an opportunity, now heralded by the World Health Organization, to make real progress towards achieving that goal,” Dr. Kobetz says.

A new collaboration between Sylvester and the World Health Organization is aimed at eliminating cervical cancer by meeting three key targets by 2030.

“One, increasing vaccination uptake to 90%. Two, ensuring that all women have access to screening throughout their life course. And three, ensuring women with detected abnormalities could get access to timely and appropriate treatment,” says Dr. Kobetz.

Dr. Kobetz’ s message is one of solidarity and sisterhood.

“Together we can envision a world without cervical cancer and certainly without cervical cancer disparity,” Dr. Kobetz says.

Rachel’s cancer was caught early and surgically removed. She credits Sylvester for now being cancer free.

“They really have a passion for what they’re doing and that meant the most to me,” Rachel says.

Tags: cervical cancer, cervical cancer screenings, Dr. Erin Kobetz, focusing on you, HPV vaccine, Pap smear, World Health Organization