According to the latest report from the Ministry of Health, there has been a significant rise in the incidence of cervical cancer among women in Antigua and Barbuda over the past two years.

The report reveals that the number of women diagnosed with this condition has doubled, indicating a cause for concern and the need for timely intervention to prevent the further spread of the disease.

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is solely responsible; it is a sexually transmitted disease that strikes women, causes cancer if untreated, and can be prevented by administering a vaccine before girls begin engaging in sexual relations.

The Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph said during a Cabinet meeting Wednesday that vaccination, treatment and screening are the three steps that can be taken to reduce the impact of the disease significantly.

It can be eliminated from the Antigua and Barbuda population in four years by aggressively applying the anti-viral drug.