The Early Detection Program for Cervical Cancer in Navarra has invited 61,911 women since its inception in January 2023, and 68.8% have participated in screening. In 2025, approximately 38,000 women are expected to be invited, of which 3,700 will turn 30 years old during this period and have been included in the program for the first time.
The objectives of this program, under the Institute of Public Health and Labor of Navarra, are to reduce the incidence and mortality of this type of cancer in the population, as well as to improve the quality of life of patients who are diagnosed. High participation of women in screening and collaboration among all healthcare providers involved—Public Health, hospital Gynecology services, Centers for Sexual and Reproductive Health (CASSyR), the Pathological Anatomy Service of the University Hospital of Navarra, and Primary Care—is crucial for achieving these goals.
On the occasion of World Prevention Day for this disease, celebrated on March 26, the Early Detection section of the ISPLN provides a preliminary assessment of the results obtained in the first two years of program activity.
### 4.7% of Tests Positive
The primary screening test is the detection of certain high-risk serotypes of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Women can choose self-sampling, selected by 95% of participants, or request an appointment for sample collection by a healthcare professional, favored by the remaining 5%. In case of a positive result, a cytology test is recommended as a secondary measure to check for any cervical cell abnormalities. If certain cellular alterations are detected, a colposcopy is performed for diagnostic confirmation.
Thus, 4.7% of high-risk HPV detection tests in the program have yielded positive results. As a result, 1,702 cytologies have been conducted, and 496 women have been referred for colposcopy. To date, 6 malignant tumors have been confirmed.
### How Screening Works
Starting from January, women turning 30 in 2025 have been included in the program, expanding the target population to all women residing in Navarra aged between 30 and 65 years.
When women reach the ages of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65, they will receive an invitation letter, materials, and instructions to self-collect a sample at home (self-sampling). They can deliver the sample to the CASSyR network, the ISPLN (Bergamín 2 bis Street, Pamplona), health centers, and rural health clinics where there is no reference CASSyR, and in Pamplona, at the San Juan, Txantrea, and Rochapea health centers. They also have the option to request an appointment for sample collection by a professional at a CASSyR. If they choose the latter option, they should call the ISPLN at 848 423 498 to schedule the appointment.
### 14 Cases of Cervical Cancer in Navarra in 2024
According to estimates from the Cancer Registry of ISPLN, 14 cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed in the Navarra region last year, ranking 20th in frequency among different types of cancer in the female population. The adjusted rate stands at 4.1 cases per 100,000 women per year. Additionally, recent survival data indicate that 7 out of 10 women with cervical cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis.
On the other hand, the Mortality Registry reports that six women died from this cause in Navarra in 2023. However, the annual mortality rate for this cancer decreased by 38% in the 2021-2023 triennium compared to the 2011-2013 period, dropping from around 2 to 1.2 deaths per 100,000 women per year.
### HPV Vaccine
ISPLN states that certain Human Papillomavirus strains transmitted through sexual intercourse cause cervical cancer, making primary preventive measures like vaccination crucial for control, along with condom use and education for healthy sexual practices.
Moreover, early detection of cervical cancer has proven effective in significantly reducing mortality. This strategy, combined with vaccination, is considered an effective control measure for the possible eradication of this disease, as reported by the regional government.
In this regard, the Infectious Diseases and Vaccinations section of ISPLN recalls that HPV vaccination for girls began in Navarra in 2007 for girls in 1st year of Secondary School (born in 1995), with a ‘catch-up’ over three academic years for girls in 4th year of Secondary School (born in 1992-1994). Currently, this immunization is offered to boys and girls aged 12 and unvaccinated women under 26 years old.
The number of vaccine doses administered has decreased over the years; initially, three doses were required, but from the 2016-2017 academic year, a two-dose regimen was adopted, and since last September, a single dose is recommended.
Thus, 68% of Navarran women aged 30 (born in 1995) joining the screening this year have received at least one vaccine dose, while 63% received three doses, which was the standard for achieving protection at that time.
The coverage rate for the latest cohort vaccinated against HPV (born in 2012) is 94% for girls and 91% for boys. In the current academic year 2024-2025, individuals born in 2013 are receiving the vaccine, with 86% of girls and 82% of boys having already received their dose.
FUENTE