Most cancers among Peruvian women detected in advanced stages, says expert

Some 85 percent of cancer cases affecting Peruvian women are detected in already advanced stages, state news agency Andina reported Tuesday.

The figure highlights the lack of a preventive healthcare culture in the South American country, according to oncologist Gilmar Grisson, a spokesperson for Peru's League Against Cancer.

Grisson also warned that 80 percent of Peruvian women who develop breast cancer were at risk of developing the disease due to being overweight or obese.

In Peru, cervical cancer is the No. 1 cause of death from cancer among women, and the No. 2 cause in Lima, said Grisson, adding each day eight women die from the disease, which is mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and obesity.

The league is promoting an awareness campaign that urges parents of fifth and sixth grade girls to get HPV vaccinations to prevent against the cancer.