OPERATION WIPE OUT’s groundbreaking work to eliminate cervical cancer in Alabama is featured in the powerful PBS documentary special “Conquering Cervical Cancer”!
Dr. Isabel Scarinci, UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. Warner Huh, gynecologic oncologist; and Nancy Wright, ADPH Cancer Prevention and Control Division Director; share their inspiring journey in this important program, which chronicles how OPERATION WIPE OUT began in Chambers County, the Alabama county with the highest cervical cancer incidence, and has expanded into a statewide movement to end cervical cancer as a public health problem.
The documentary explores how cervical cancer is preventable through three essential strategies:
· HPV vaccination for children and young adults aged 9-26
· Regular cervical cancer screening beginning at age 21
· Timely follow-up and treatment when abnormal results are detected
The documentary illustrates OPERATION WIPE OUT as a model that could be replicated beyond Alabama, showing how community engagement, healthcare access, and educational outreach can overcome barriers to cervical cancer prevention and care.
What You’ll Learn in the Documentary
This powerful documentary shares stories and insights about:
· The World Health Organization’s global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer
· How OPERATION WIPE OUT has united healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders across Alabama
· The innovative approaches being used to reach underserved communities
· The critical importance of HPV vaccination for both boys and girls
· The personal stories of survivors and the healthcare professionals dedicated to this cause
· How mobile clinics and outreach programs are breaking down barriers to screening and treatment
· The comparison between cervical cancer elimination and the successful campaign against polio
How to Watch
“Conquering Cervical Cancer”is available at pbs.org/show/conquering-cervical-cancer
For more information on the statewide action plan to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in Alabama, please visit operationwipeout.org