Kathmandu: The Ministry of Health and Population has announced the initiation of a nationwide campaign to screen and test for uterine cancer among 250,000 women. This extensive one-month drive will begin on February 13, 2025, with the aim of addressing the pressing issue of uterine cancer in Nepal.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Family Health Welfare Division of the Ministry will be responsible for conducting the screenings for women aged 30 to 49 years. Dr. Bibek Kumar Lal, the Chief of the Division, confirmed that the campaign is planned to be executed simultaneously across the country, highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling this significant health concern. Dr. Lal emphasized the goal of screening 250,000 women as part of this year’s efforts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that of the 14,000 cancer-related deaths in Nepal in 2022, more than 7,700 were attributed to uterine cancer. Additionally, the WHO documented 2,169 new cases of uterine cancer and 2,255 cases o
f breast cancer in the same year. Currently, Nepal faces an alarming situation where four women die from uterine cancer every day.
Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has prioritized the nationwide screening of cancer as part of his plans to control both uterine and breast cancer among women. In line with these efforts, the Ministry will also administer free vaccines to adult girls, as part of a two-week campaign commencing on February 4, 2025, aimed at combating uterine cancer.