ABC | Radio Australia

A LEADING PACIFIC GYNAECOLOGIST says there's been a dramatic increase in cases of cancer among women in Papua New Guinea.

At the launch a new vaccine in Port Moresby, Dr Mathias Sapuri [pictured] said a health department report had shown a "dramatic" increase in cases of cancer among women.

Dr Mathias told Radio Australia the sudden increase was due to more people reporting symptoms and a rise in sexually transmitted infections.

"In 20 to 30 years gone past, a lot of women who have cervical cancer in remote areas of PNG would not present to a health facility ... it's all to do with cultural reasons," said Dr Mathias, who is the United Nation's appointed physician in PNG.

He is calling on the government to help fund more vaccines under the public health system.

The Gardasil vaccine, which was launched last week, costs about K350 and is currently only being rolled out across the private sector.

"Unfortunately many women in PNG die because many of them have cancer in the later stages - stage two, stage three - and very few were lucky and able to seek medical attention ... unfortunately we've lost a lot of women who could've survived cancer in PNG."

He is optimistic PNG's next government will invest in major health initiatives.

"It can be done, it's just a matter of the government prioritising the cost of the different health issues that are affecting Papua New Guinea and I personally feel that it is a major issue that PNG should take on board."

Dr Mathias Sapuri is head of obstetrics and gynaecology at Pacific International Hospital and has 22 years of experience in women’s health. He is president of the PNG Medical society and chairman of the PNG Medical Board. He was awarded the Order of Logohu in recognition of his excellent services in the field of medicine and medical research