NAIROBI, Kenya — Medical professionals are emphasizing the importance of early screening for cervical cancer among women, underlining its critical role in detecting the disease in its nascent stages and substantially improving survival rates.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mary Wangai of the Kilele Health Association addressed health journalists, stressing the significant global impact of cervical cancer, particularly on women. She revealed that annually in Kenya, around 5,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, leading to approximately 3,200 deaths. Wangai highlighted the preventability of cervical cancer, noting that its progression over 10-15 years offers a critical window for detection and intervention.
The absence of early symptoms and the fact that cervical cancer remains the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in Kenya underscores the urgency for regular screenings. Women, especially those aged 35 to 49, are identified as the most susceptible group due to higher sexual activity, though all women are at risk.
Wangai detailed the available screening methods, including the HPV DNA test, Pap smear, and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), advocating for their adoption alongside HPV vaccination for young girls and safe sexual practices to mitigate the disease’s prevalence.
In a parallel discussion, Benda Kithaka, Executive Director at Kilele Health Association, called on the media to actively dispel myths and misinformation surrounding cervical cancer, emphasizing the disease’s preventability and the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. By promoting stories of survival and factual information, the media can play a pivotal role in encouraging early screening and vaccination, potentially transforming public perception and action regarding cervical cancer.
Highlighting a personal narrative, cancer survivor Judy Wanyoike urged women to prioritize early screening, sharing her own experience of how timely medical intervention could have prevented the loss of her womb. Such testimonials are seen as powerful motivators for women to seek early detection and treatment, reflecting a broader strategy to combat cervical cancer effectively.
With the survival rate for cervical cancer in Africa lagging behind that of developed regions, initiatives aimed at boosting awareness, screening, and treatment accessibility are viewed as essential steps toward reducing mortality rates and enhancing the quality of life for women across the continent.