By Susana Tobar | Development Manager
In Guatemala, cervical cancer is a significant public health problem, ranking second in incidence and mortality among women. The International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN project, estimated in 2022(1) that about 1,761 new cervical cancer cases and 973 deaths occur each year in the country, with projections rising to approximately 2,170 new cases and 1,250 deaths annually by 2030. Cervical cancer is largely preventable. Early screening and treatment of precancerous lesions can avert almost all deaths, yet screening coverage in rural and low-income urban areas remains low, where more than 75% of people have never had a screening(2).
Against this national backdrop, WINGS is expanding access to lifesaving screening and treatment, reaching nationwide coverage this year after opening services in Petén at the end of July 2025. In the first six months of 2025, WINGS provided 2,593 cervical cancer screenings across the country in many remote and underserved communities. For nearly 30% of these individuals (773 people) this was their first-ever screening. Early detection remains our most effective prevention tool: WINGS identified 92 people with precancerous lesions who received same-day treatment, and five suspected cancer cases were promptly referred for specialized care. Reaching nationwide coverage has allowed us to extend targeted outreach to areas that previously lacked services, reducing barriers and preventing avoidable deaths.
WINGS conducts screenings using visual inspection with acetic acid for immediate detection and thermocoagulation for same-day treatment of precancerous lesions. This low-cost, evidence-based approach allows our clinical teams to treat many abnormalities on the spot, dramatically reducing loss to follow up and preventing progression to invasive cancer. We prioritize delivering care in the local languages of the communities we serve and center each consult on dignity, informed consent, and patient choice. Our culturally responsive, rights-based approach builds trust and leads more people to accept screening and treatment. WINGS also pairs clinical services with targeted community outreach, working with local leaders and volunteer promoters to normalize screening, dispel myths and encourage timely care.
Your support sustains these lifesaving services and enables us to expand screening coverage and ensure patients receive timely, respectful care where it is most needed. On behalf of our medical teams and the people we serve, thank you for helping WINGS detect, treat, and prevent cervical cancer across Guatemala.
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