Message from the President of the Jamaica Emergency Medicine Association marking cervical cancer awareness month

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet still deadly diseases affecting women across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

 This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Jamaica Emergency Medicine Association (JEMA) supports ongoing awareness, prevention, and early detection efforts to eliminate this disease.

As emergency physicians, we often see the consequences of late presentation—cases that could have been prevented through early detection, timely screening, and vaccination. This reality underscores a critical truth: prevention is our strongest weapon.

We urge all women to prioritise routine screening, including Pap smears and HPV testing, and we strongly encourage parents to take advantage of the HPV vaccination for their children. These simple but powerful interventions save lives.

Cervical cancer does not have to be a death sentence. With increased awareness, access to care, and collective action, we can significantly reduce its impact in our communities.

JEMA calls on policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to strengthen public education, expand screening programs, and ensure equitable access to life-saving services across Jamaica.

Let us work together to protect the health and dignity of every woman. Early detection saves lives. Prevention is power.

 Dr. Kerdell Espinosa-Campbell is  the President of the Jamaica Emergency Medicine Association