A thread on cervical screening programmes.

I teach about population screens. I refer to WHO guidelines on ‘what makes a good screen’, which includes criteria like a clearly-identified demographic, treatments available, educational resources in place, etc.
I’ve just had a look for WHO guidance specific to cervical screening programmes within a population.

It is fair to say that the WHO know *exactly* who is at risk of cervical cancer, and how to ensure a screening programme is ethically rolled out.
Cervical cancer is one of the gravest threats to women’s lives.
...worldwide it is one one of the leading causes of cancer death in women.
Why understanding female genital anatomy is important.
Women >30 years of age - screening and treatment as needed.
Challenges to the development of effective cervical cancer prevention.

Lack of awareness and prioritisation of women’s sexual and reproductive health.
Providing correct information to the community in clear terms using the local language.
National policy based on the natural history of the disease.
Outreach strategies must reach and engage young girls and women who would most benefit from [HPV] vaccination and screening, respectively.
Be comfortable talking about women’s anatomy, sex and sexuality.
No comment necessary.
Early detection, by screening all women in the target age group, [+ treatment], can prevent the majority of cervical cancers.
Second comment on same screenshot.

Cervical cancer screening should be performed at least once for every woman in the target age group...
In the FAQs.

Who gets cervical cancer?
More FAQs.
Key messages for men.

Encourage the women in your life to get screened. It’s ‘exclusively a women’s disease’ but you can be an ally!
End of screenshots/

I am very passionate about people being able to access medical services designed to keep them healthy and alive.
Women. Females. Transmen. Trans men. Non-binary people with female reproductive anatomy. Individuals with a cervix.

If the letter that drops through your door needs all of these terms, whatever.
But what that letter should never do is obfuscate language to the potential detriment of the target demographic.

Never.
A note: in 408 pages, this was the killer.

We don't prioritise women's health. https://twitter.com/FondOfBeetles/status/1289256387470663680?s=20
You can follow @FondOfBeetles.
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