Panama Launches Specialized Center to Combat Cervical Cancer
- Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) has launched the Reference Center for Diagnostic Cytopathology (CERCID), a specialized facility located at the San Isidro Health Policenter in San Miguelito.
- Cervical cancer remains a critical public health challenge in Panama, where it is the second leading cause of death among women and the malignant tumor with the second...
- A primary objective of the CERCID facility is to increase the coverage of Pap tests from 15% to 90% within three years.
Panama’s Ministry of Health (Minsa) has launched the Reference Center for Diagnostic Cytopathology (CERCID), a specialized facility located at the San Isidro Health Policenter in San Miguelito. The center is designed to accelerate the detection of cervical cancer and prevent the disease from reaching advanced stages.
Cervical cancer remains a critical public health challenge in Panama, where it is the second leading cause of death among women and the malignant tumor with the second highest incidence rate in the country. The new center will process Pap tests from all health regions across Panama to increase diagnostic speed and accessibility.
Expanding Screening Coverage and Diagnostic Technology
A primary objective of the CERCID facility is to increase the coverage of Pap tests from 15% to 90% within three years. This effort is part of a broader human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2029.
The center utilizes state-of-the-art equipment provided by the diagnostic company Noul. This technology enables the digitization of results, the application of artificial intelligence, and strict sample quality control. According to Carmen Viridiana Espinoza Ayala, Business Development Manager for Latin America at Noul, the system can identify a parasite in a sample containing up to 300,000 cells, with diagnoses obtainable in less than 30 minutes.
The implementation of this technology is expected to reduce surgical backlogs by allowing for remote pre-diagnoses. By sending information remotely to specialists, the center facilitates early molecular diagnosis and the efficient scheduling of follow-up evaluations to ensure patients receive timely treatment.
Beyond cervical cancer, the equipment is also capable of performing molecular tests on samples from patients with malaria.
Public Health Impact and Incidence Rates
The urgency of these measures is highlighted by data from the National Oncology Institute, which recorded 3,695 women diagnosed with cervical cancer between 2015 and 2024. These patients ranged in age from 20 to over 80 years.
Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo noted that while the disease is serious, it is one hundred percent (100%) curable with its early detection
. Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women, affecting more than 600,000 people annually and causing over 300,000 deaths.
To address these figures, the Ministry of Health, with technical collaboration from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has launched a prevention campaign spanning 2025 to 2029.
Preventative Strategies and National Leadership
Panama has established itself as a regional leader in the prevention of cervical cancer. It was the first country in Latin America to incorporate the HPV vaccine into its national immunization program, beginning with 10-year-old girls in 2009 and later expanding to include boys.
Despite these vaccination efforts and awareness campaigns, HPV infections continue to cause cervical lesions that can degenerate into cancer. Health authorities emphasize that the Papanicolaou (Pap) test remains a simple, economical, and accessible tool for early detection and effective treatment.
Integrated Health Services and International Cooperation
The launch of the CERCID center coincides with the expansion of other medical services at the San Isidro Health Policenter. New additions to the facility include care for patients with diabetic foot and wounds, as well as otolaryngology and ophthalmology services.
Panama continues to seek international support to enhance its cancer control infrastructure. On January 30, 2026, a team of international experts led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a mission in Panama to identify opportunities for strengthening specialized oncology training.
The inauguration of the diagnostic center included the participation of First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino, who also oversaw the opening of a new early stimulation room for children equipped with supplies from the First Lady’s Office.