Yap Strengthens Cervical Cancer Prevention Through Colposcopy Training

Thursday, August 27, 2026/// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - The Yap Comprehensive Cancer Control Program recently shared highlights from a colposcopy training held August 24–25, 2026, at the Yap State Department of Health Services conference room. The training was led by University of Hawaiʻi (UH) consultants Dr. Ann Chang and Dr. Neal Palafox.

A colposcope is an important tool allowing healthcare providers to identify abnormalities that may indicate precancerous changes or other conditions in women. The non-invasive procedure can be performed during an outpatient visit without anesthesia.

The training was a collaborative effort among the Yap Cancer Program, FYRE Medical Center, and UH. It supported local physicians and nurses, as well as healthcare providers from the Kosrae State Department of Health Services, who are preparing to establish their own cervical cancer screening, testing, and treatment program using primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

Participants received both classroom and hands-on training, including theory, visual examples of cervical findings, mannequin practice, and an actual patient procedure. The UH team also paid a courtesy call to DHS Director Theo Thinnifel to discuss the purpose of the training and the importance of strengthening local capacity in colposcopy.

Yap is the first state in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to establish an HPV screen, test, and treat program, which began in 2022. Yap is now sharing its experience with Kosrae as the state works toward becoming the second FSM state to establish a similar program.

Both states are working toward the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by achieving an incidence rate of fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women.

The goal is built around three key targets:

Vaccination: 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15.

Screening: 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by age 45.

Treatment: 90% of women with precancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer appropriately managed.

Through continued collaboration and training, Yap and Kosrae are strengthening their capacity to prevent cervical cancer and move closer to its elimination in the FSM.

(For more information, please contact the Department of Health Services at 350-2110)