World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action is marked on 17 November each year to accelerate the global movement to make cervical cancer a disease of the past. Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) and is almost always linked to persistent infection with certain high‑risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer is largely preventable. Safe and effective HPV vaccines can stop the most dangerous virus types from causing infection, and screening tests can detect early cell changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer. If these pre‑cancer changes are treated in time, invasive cancer and deaths can be avoided.
Why it matters
Every year, hundreds of thousands of women worldwide are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and many die in the prime of their lives—often when they are caring for children and supporting families. Most of these deaths occur in low‑ and middle‑income countries, where HPV vaccination and screening programmes are still limited.
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. By the time a woman develops abnormal vaginal bleeding, foul‑smelling discharge or pelvic pain, the disease may already be advanced. That is why prevention and early detection are critical. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a global strategy based on three main targets often written as 90‑70‑90: 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15; 70% of women screened with a high‑performance test at least twice in their lifetime; and 90% of women with pre‑cancer or cancer receiving appropriate treatment and care.
History
On 17 November 2020, WHO launched the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem. This was the first time the world committed to eliminating a specific type of cancer through large‑scale prevention and treatment. Since then, 17 November has been observed as the World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, a moment each year for countries, organisations and communities to review progress and renew commitments.
Activities on this day include awareness campaigns about HPV vaccination, free or low‑cost screening camps, training for health workers, social media initiatives and advocacy for stronger policies and funding. The overall message is that cervical cancer is not just a woman’s issue; it is a family, community and national development issue that can be solved with proven tools.
Key facts
HPV is common
- most sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives
- but only persistent infection with certain high‑risk types (such as HPV‑16 and HPV‑18) leads to cervical cancer in some women.
Preventable cancer
- HPV vaccination
- regular screening and timely treatment of pre‑cancer lesions can prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases.
Slow‑growing disease
- it usually takes many years for HPV infection to develop into cancer
- which means there is a long window for detection and treatment.
Not only older women
- cervical cancer often affects women in their 30s
- 40s and 50s
- when they are economically and socially active.
Equity issue
- women in poorer communities and rural areas are less likely to access vaccination
- screening and quality treatment
- and therefore face higher risk.
In Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers among women and a major cause of cancer‑related deaths. Many women present at late stages because of limited awareness, social stigma around gynaecological problems and difficulties in accessing specialised care. Simple, low‑cost screening methods such as visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) are available in many government and NGO health centres, yet coverage is still far below the level needed to protect all women at risk.
On World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, gynaecologists, oncologists, public health experts, government agencies and civil society groups in Bangladesh work together to raise awareness. Common activities include health talks in hospitals, community meetings, special VIA screening camps, media discussions and digital campaigns. Key messages emphasise that any woman with unexplained vaginal bleeding (especially after sex), persistent watery or foul‑smelling discharge or pelvic pain should consult a doctor promptly.
The day also highlights the importance of introducing and expanding HPV vaccination for girls, integrating cervical cancer screening into routine women’s health services, training frontline health workers and reducing shame and fear around pelvic examinations. For Bangladesh, eliminating cervical cancer means protecting mothers, sisters and daughters through information, vaccination, screening and compassionate, timely treatment.
Frequently asked questions
- What is World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action?
- World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action is observed on 17 November each year to support the global goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem through HPV vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment for women.
- Can cervical cancer be prevented?
- Yes. Most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented by giving girls HPV vaccine before they become sexually active, encouraging women to attend regular screening (such as VIA or Pap smear) and treating any pre‑cancer changes in the cervix early.
- When should a woman in Bangladesh see a doctor about possible cervical cancer?
- A woman should see a doctor or gynaecologist if she has unexplained vaginal bleeding (especially after sex or between periods), persistent watery or foul‑smelling discharge, pain during sex or lower abdominal and back pain, or if she is in the screening age group and has never had a VIA or Pap test.