The Tribune

THE Princess Margaret Hospital officially opened the public health care system's first Human Papillomavirus testing lab yesterday.

According to health officials, HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Doctors report that cervical cancer is now second only to breast cancer in terms of prevalence among Bahamian women, with many younger women diagnosed with severe forms of pre-cancerous lesions.

This is because many women in the Bahamas are not able to afford the High Risk (HR) HPV test, which costs about $200.

Health Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the facility, which will aid in early detection of the disease, will ensure the entire female population is protected.

He said: "Before the introduction of this HPV facility, pap smear was the only tool available to us. Once utilised properly (the test) can prevent cancer of the cervix.

"With early detection we will be able to eradicate it and save those individuals who are afflicted with this type of illness."

Dr Minnis said it is hoped the HPV vaccine, which is now used by the private health care sector, will be introduced to PMH in the future.

The new facility will provide almost 1,000 Bahamian women a year with a local alternative to the lengthy and expensive testing previously used.

Local and international Rotary Clubs along with various civic and private donors partnered to purchase the equipment and materials to set up the lab.