Health specialists are raising concerns over late diagnosis, saying many patients seek medical care only after cervical cancer has progressed to an advanced stage, making early detection and prevention critical.

The concern was highlighted during the two-day Vanuatu Health Research Symposium 2026, held at the National University of Vanuatu on Wednesday and Thursday under the theme “Reducing Cancer Burden in Vanuatu.”

Many cases are detected late

Project Coordinator for Vanuatu Family Health’s National Elimination of Cervical Cancer programme, DrMackenzie Sitobata, said many women only come to hospital once their cancer has already reached an advanced stage.

“Sadly, in Vanuatu, most of those who come to the hospital are coming at a late stage.”

He said Vila alone records an average of 12 to 16 women diagnosed with or dying from breast cancer each year, while cervical cancer accounts for around 10 to 12 women diagnosed with or dying from the disease annually.

Dr Sitobata said these figures do not include cases from other provinces.

He said the situation highlights the need for women to come forward earlier for screening and detection.

“What we emphasise a lot is early detection and prevention.”

Screening is already available

Vanuatu has been running its cervical cancer screening programme since late 2022, targeting women aged 30 to 54.

Dr Sitobata said screening outreach has already been carried out across the country, from the southern provinces to Torba.

The programme is now entering a second phase, with plans to repeat outreach because some women may have missed earlier opportunities to be screened.

He said the health team is also looking at different ways to reach women who are not coming forward, including taking services closer to communities.

In Efate, he said an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 women aged 30 to 54 have still not been screened.

Why are women missing screening?

Dr Sitobata said there are several possible barriers, including financial difficulties, geographical isolation, busy schedules and other commitments.

He said attitudes towards screening and vaccination can also affect participation.

The experience of provincial outreach has shown that some women may only come forward when health teams are preparing to leave.

Dr Sitobata said the programme wants to find better ways to ensure women do not miss the opportunity for early detection.

Vanuatu working towards cervical cancer elimination

Dr Sitobata said Vanuatu is working towards three key targets for cervical cancer elimination:

• 90% of girls aged 9 to 14 receiving the HPV vaccine.
• 70% of women receiving cervical cancer screening.
• 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receiving appropriate treatment.

He said the country is still below these targets.

HPV vaccination coverage nationally is currently around 30 to 40%, while coverage in Shefa remains low. Penama and Sanma have recorded stronger coverage.

Dr Sitobata said increasing HPV vaccination among girls is particularly important because HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer.

Cancer services are expanding

The focus on early detection is also being matched by efforts to strengthen cancer services in Vanuatu.

Dr Sale Vurobaravu, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Vila Central Hospital, said Vanuatu has made progress in its ability to diagnose cancer.

The health system now has access to a CT scan, histopathology laboratory and mammography services.

He said the Ministry of Health has also established an oncology steering committee to look at how cancer services can be developed at the hospital.

The committee brings together specialist doctors, nurses and pathologists to work on how existing resources can be better coordinated.

More treatment capacity is needed

Dr Vurobaravu said further development of cancer services will require more training, specialist health workers, equipment and infrastructure.

He said some doctors and nurses have already been sent overseas for training so they can return and contribute to the development of cancer services.

For advanced cases that cannot be managed locally, patients may still need to be referred overseas.

Health is everyone’s responsibility

Dr Vurobaravu said cancer prevention cannot be left to health professionals alone.

“Health is everyone’s responsibility. The public also has a part to play in prevention.”

He said communities can reduce some cancer risks through healthier lifestyles, regular exercise, appropriate nutrition, vaccination and seeking treatment for infections that can increase cancer risks.

He also called for more young people to pursue science and health careers to help address the shortage of doctors, nurses and other specialists.

Why research matters

The symposium is also focused on strengthening cancer research in Vanuatu.

Dr Vurobaravu said there is currently not enough local data and research to fully understand the country’s cancer burden.

He said health workers are often focused on treating patients, leaving limited time for research.

The two-day symposium has therefore brought together researchers and health professionals from Vanuatu and the Pacific to identify research gaps and priorities that can help guide future cancer interventions.

The aim is to use stronger evidence to improve prevention, early detection and treatment.

The message to women

For Dr Sitobata, one of the key messages is simple: women should not wait until they are seriously ill before seeking screening.

With cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination already available, health authorities are continuing to encourage women and families to make use of prevention and early detection services.

The symposium has highlighted that reducing Vanuatu’s cancer burden will require early detection, prevention, stronger treatment services and better research working together.