Peru and Chile Unite Against Cancer, Highlighting Daily Deaths from Cervical Cancer

Lawmakers and health officials from Peru and Chile convened for a working session aimed at bolstering cancer prevention and control policies through the exchange of legislative experiences. The meeting, organized by the Health and Population Commission of the Peruvian Congress, brought together Peruvian legislators, Chilean senators, representatives from the Ministry of Health, international organizations, and civil society groups, including the League Against Cancer.

During the session, the president of the Peruvian Health and Population Commission emphasized the critical need to reinforce prevention measures, ensure timely diagnosis, and improve access to treatment for cancer patients. She also stressed the importance of advancing legislative initiatives to enhance the state's response to the disease. Chilean senators Juan Luis Castro González and Sergio Gahona Salazar shared insights from their country's National Cancer Law, efforts to reduce waiting lists, and strategies for strengthening oncology services.

Dr. Víctor Palacios Cabrejos from Peru detailed the progress made following the implementation of Peru's National Cancer Law. Key achievements include the expansion of oncology services and the rollout of preventive strategies specifically targeting cervical and breast cancers. Representatives from the League Against Cancer raised alarms about cervical cancer, noting that seven women in Peru die daily from this preventable and highly curable disease if detected early.

The League Against Cancer highlighted the HPV vaccine as a crucial tool for reducing incidence and working towards eradication. While acknowledging Peru's progress in providing free HPV vaccinations to children and adolescents, they urged for expanded coverage, broader protection ranges, and reinforced prevention and early detection campaigns. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing legislative and oversight actions to improve oncological care and prevention strategies for the Peruvian population.