The Cambodian 'Vouchers for Reproductive Health (KfW)' project in collaboration with Department of Preventive Medicine (DPM) organized a roundtable meeting recently with the Cambodian Cervical Cancer Working Group CCWG, doctors and midwives involved in cervical cancer screening (CCS) under the project. An update on national policies and strategies on cervical cancer was provided at the meeting as well as recommendations based on a recent evaluation conducted within the project.

Cervical cancer screening is a new service in the Cambodian context. The voucher project started cervical cancer screening in October 2014 using the visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and offers treatment for precancerous cases with cryotherapy. Since starting these services in October 2014, almost 30,000 women have been screened with around 500 women receiving cryotherapy.

Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer among women worldwide and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among woman in developing countries. As cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening tests and appropriate follow-up care, an effective screening programme can lead to a significant reduction of morbidity and mortality.