Bahtat Fatiha

Morocco

Prevention of cervical cancer in Morocco: A literature review.

Fatiha BAHTAT 1,2, Naima GAILANI NOUROUTI 2, Mohcine BENNANI MECHITA 2, Joaira BAKKACH 1,2
1. Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Tetouan, Annex AL Hoceima, Morocco.
2. Intelligent Automat & BioMed Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology of Tangier, AbdelMalek Essaadi University, Tangier, Morocco.

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer represents a major public health problem in Morocco. It is the third most common cancer after breast and thyroid cancers and the second in female cancer in moroccan women. The objective of this studyis to present preventive and screening measures for cervical cancer in Morocco.

Methods

Material and Methods: The literature was consulted through the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases using the keywords: cervical cancer, prevention, screening, early detection and Morocco between 2010 and 2023. Published books and abstracts were also consulted.

Results

Despite recent advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, cervical cancer is associated with a poor prognosis and therapeutic morbidity, especially when it affects young women. Morocco is included in the global strategy adopted by the World Health Organization aiming to eliminate cervical cancer. This strategy recommends a global approach: prevention, screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. Regarding prevention, it is based on the HPV vaccination of young girls aged 9-14 years, in addition to awareness-raising and sexual education of young people about risk factors. Also, facilitating access for eligible women to all screening services through validated tests, thus allowing early detection of precancerous lesions. The literature synthesis shows that only few eligible women participated in the screening program due to the lack of knowledge and awareness regarding this program.

Conclusions

Morocco adheres to the intervention objectives of the global plan to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. It is necessary to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, encompass community education and social mobilization in order to achieve these objectives.