The Medical Women Association of Ghana (MWAG) has launched Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with a call on Women to prioritize screening for early detection and prevention.
The launch, held in collaboration with the Ablekuma South Sub Metro Health Directorate, and sponsored by Lexta Ghana, aims to enhance the health and well-being of the community.
It was on the theme, “We Can Prevent Cervical Cancer, Get Screened Now.”
Dr Ayongo Mate-Kole, a Family Physician at Korle-Bu Polyclinic and MWAG Chairperson, Greater Accra Branch, engaging women at Tuesday Market in the Ablekuma South constituency as part of the Cervical cancer awareness month, said this was to educate as well as screen them for prevention.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when cells in the cervix grow abnormally and form a tumor. It is caused by a persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted sexually.
According to the Ghana Health Service, out of the 2,797 women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, 1,699 die.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Ghana, even though it is preventable with early detection and treatment.
Women who are at risk of contracting cervical cancer include women who started sexual activities at a younger age, especially before age 18, having multiple sexual partners, and those affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) due to their suppressed immune system.
Dr Mate-Kole said cervical cancer is a serious condition that did not show any sign at the initial stage, which was why, aside from the education, the group would also offer free screening to 100 women using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid method for early detection.
She advised men to be part of the awareness creation by paying for their wives, sisters, mothers, and their female friends to get a screening.
Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, commended MWAG and its partners for the initiative to help reduce cervical cancer deaths among women.
He urged participants to carry the message across to ensure women were well informed of this deadly condition if not detected early.
Dr Vanderpuije also advised women to get onto the National Health Insurance Scheme to enhance their access to treatment when the need arises, adding that treating cervical cancer was costly.
Dr Richardar N.A Taylor Dawson said the annual event sought to tackle and dispel the stigma and misconceptions linked to cervical cancer as well as screening procedures.
She said open and honest dialogue was, however, crucial to promote discussions that could result in life-saving actions.
Participants were entertained with a play and poetry recitals on cervical cancer to further emphasise the importance of early screening and periodic screening at least once every three to five years.
Pupils and students were also advised to take their education seriously and not to be in a hurry to have boyfriends and engage in sexual activities.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, commemorated annually in January is an ideal chance to raise awareness on the disease and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
GNA
