By The PPH Foundation
On February 4 each year the world observes World Cancer Day, a moment to unite globally around cancer prevention, care and equity. The campaign’s current theme “United by Unique” places people, families and communities at the heart of care, recognising that every woman’s story and experience matters in health systems and in life. This people-centred focus challenges us to integrate cancer prevention with maternal health strategies that protect women before, during and after pregnancy.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya stakeholders are rolling out a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2026–2030, aligned with WHO targets to vaccinate 90 percent of girls with HPV vaccine, screen 70 percent of women with a high-performance test, and ensure 90 percent of those with disease receive treatment. These targets (90-70-90) are essential to reducing cancer burden and advancing safe motherhood.
Cervical cancer and pregnancy intersect critically. Women with undiagnosed or advanced cervical disease face higher risks of anaemia, obstetric complications and severe bleeding during childbirth. This increases the likelihood that manageable conditions become emergencies—and can elevate the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, which remains a leading cause of maternal death in Kenya and globally.
“World Cancer Day reminds us that preventing cancer before it becomes life-threatening is also about strengthening maternal survival,” says Dr Kireki Omanwa, President of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society and End PPH Initiative Co-Lead. “When women are vaccinated, screened and treated early, we shift the trajectory from emergency response to prevention.”
Integrating cervical cancer screening into routine reproductive and antenatal care strengthens detection and referral, enhances women’s health literacy, and supports timely care decisions. As we mark World Cancer Day 2026, let every health facility, community leader and family recommit to prevention; because protecting women from cancer protects them throughout motherhood and beyond.
Sources
World Cancer Day theme, World Cancer Day 2025-27 “United by Unique,” Union for International Cancer Control.
WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative global strategy.
Kenya National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2026–2030
<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/gradient-world-cancer-day_11713600.htm">Image by freepik</a>