Speaker

Dr. Matthew Wylie

Topic

Cervical cancer has claimed, and continues to claim, the lives of wāhine across Aotearoa. Yet it is one of the few cancers that is almost entirely preventable through a safe, cost-effective, and easily administered vaccine. It is reliably detected through routine screening, and is highly treatable. Why, then, does this disease persist, and disproportionately affect Māori and those living in Tairāwhiti? In this seminar, I will examine the current state of cervical cancer elimination efforts, explore the unique challenges faced in the Tairāwhiti region, and discuss opportunities to improve access to prevention and screening. By understanding the barriers that remain and the progress already made, we can work towards achieving the World Health Organization elimination targets and move closer to a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat to wāhine in Aotearoa.

About the Speaker

Matthew Wylie is a junior doctor who has been working in Gisborne Hospital for the last 18 months. Living in Tairāwhiti has given him an appreciation for everything this region has to offer, but also the challenges we face in terms of healthcare provision.