Max Albert, founder and president of the foundation, said that during a three-day screening in Saralana, 66 mothers came forward, and 16 of them, around 24%, tested positive for HPV a virus that can lead to cervical cancer.

He said the number of positive cases is high compared to previous years, with rates nearing 30%, which is a significant risk. Young mothers are developing cancer before 30, having been HPV positive for 6–7 years without being tested.

“Right now, the percentage of cases is not just doubling, it is going towards triple, so percentages are higher compared to the past,” Max Albert said.

He added that previous outreach programs in Saralana screened 630 mothers, with 148 positive cases—around 23%—showing similar trends. In Santo, July screenings recorded 18%, above the normal 10% rate.

Albert said diet today is a major factor increasing cervical cancer risk. In the past, children ate yam for breakfast and school meals, but now many young girls eat bread, biscuits, and rice, which is unhealthy.

“Top three contributing factors today are: girls not ready for sex engaging early, multiple partners, and poor diet, which all increase the rate,” Albert said.

He urged women not to fear going for check-ups, saying early detection can prevent serious illness.

“When you are afraid to come for a check-up and we help you, it prevents you from facing the disease at a severe stage,” he said.

Today, many women are receiving treatment for cervical cancer, and health authorities are urging all women to do regular check-ups to detect and stop the disease early.