Economic benefits of early detection and treatment of cervical cancer

By Ifham Nizam

Cervical cancer is a major public health issue in Sri Lanka, ranking as the fifth most common cancer among women. However, its economic impact goes beyond the lives it claims. Preventing and treating cervical cancer presents both a health and economic opportunity, especially as Sri Lanka strives to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets by 2030.

The cost of cervical cancer treatment, as well as the loss of productivity from affected women, is a significant financial burden on the country. In 2021 alone, Sri Lanka recorded 1,238 new cases, accounting for 6% of all cancer diagnoses in women.

The disease is primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the economic logic behind prevention becomes clear. Early detection and vaccination offer highly cost-effective strategies that could prevent much of this burden, saving lives and, ultimately, money.

To address this issue, Sri Lanka has witnessed an unprecedented collaboration between public and private sectors, driven by key players such as Dilmah’s MJF Charitable Foundation, the Health Ministry and the Rotary Club of Colombo. Together, they are pushing forward initiatives to provide affordable access to HPV DNA testing kits, a crucial tool for screening and early detection. These kits are far more accurate and efficient than traditional pap smears, making them a better investment for long-term cancer prevention.

The commitment behind this initiative is significant. In January 2024, Dilmah pledged Rs. 75 million, the government of Sri Lanka committed Rs. 35 million annually and Rotary contributed Rs. 26 million to fund HPV DNA testing. This type of public-private partnership has the potential to become a model for other sectors in Sri Lanka.

Addressing these challenges could be the key to unlocking economic benefits. As Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Health Ministry Secretary, highlighted at a recent awareness event, Sri Lanka’s success in screening and early detection could make a profound economic difference. Screening helps to identify precancerous conditions before they evolve into full-blown cancer, drastically reducing treatment costs and improving survival rates.

Yet, one of the major barriers to screening is the stigma surrounding the disease. Education and awareness campaigns, often spearheaded by the MJF Foundation and the Rotary Club, are essential to overcoming this obstacle. These public campaigns aim to normalize cervical cancer screening and encourage take proactive steps toward their health. As more women participate in screenings, the benefits to the national economy will increase, not only in terms of saved medical expenses but also through the enhanced economic contributions of healthier women.