The Ministry of Health reminded women about the PAP test for cervical cancer, which is free of charge

Ukraine is celebrating World Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, one of the most common types of cancer in women. Ukrainian women can undergo free diagnostics for early detection of this dangerous disease: PAP test.

To do this, it is enough to visit a gynaecologist at healthcare facilities contracted by the National Health Service of Ukraine. Minister of Health Viktor Liashko explained what is needed to get diagnosed and what six free tests for early detection of cancer are offered to citizens by the state.

"This week marks the start of World Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women: In 2020, more than 342,000 women died of it worldwide, and 1,500 in Ukraine. At the same time, it is highly treatable if detected in time. Therefore, I urge you to be attentive to your health and regularly attend preventive medical examinations, taking into account the peculiarities of martial law," the minister said.

Liashko emphasised that the medical guarantee programme gives Ukrainian women the opportunity to undergo free diagnostics for early detection.

"One of the most affordable and effective methods of early diagnosis is the PAP test. It can be done by a gynaecologist at healthcare facilities contracted by the National Health Service of Ukraine free of charge," the head of the Ministry of Health said.

To find the nearest facility where you can undergo a Pap test, just call the NHSU contact centre at 16-77.

"Another opportunity to prevent the development of cancer is to undergo hysteroscopy, which is included in the list of six free examinations for the early detection of cancer (a detailed list of services for the examination is published on the NHSU website (paragraphs 17-22, file "Specification"). You can undergo a free examination upon referral from a doctor with whom you have signed a declaration or upon referral from your attending physician. Take care of your health and remember: it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it!" - Liashko emphasised.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported that Ukrainian women can get checked for breast cancer for free. In case of early detection, the chances of recovery are 95%. Therefore, the Ministry of Health has launched a campaign for free screening of Ukrainian women. To get a free mammogram, all you need is a referral from your family doctor.

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