Africa-Press – Botswana. Women have been urged to screen for cervical cancer as it remained the most commonly diagnosed cancer.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, Ms Grace Muzila said during the launch of cervical cancer screening in Moshupa on Monday that cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths in 36 countries, majority of which were in the Sub-Saharan Africa.
She explained that the purpose of the launch was to create awareness of the importance of screening for cervical cancer, to inform the community on the services available and motivate them to access the screening programme.
Ms Muzila said the emphasis of the launch was secondary prevention using the ‘see and treat’ method also known as the visual inspection with acetic, which delivers same day results.
“The launch is a great milestone, given the impact of cancer on our lives,” she added.
Ms Muzila said it was evident that the burden of cervical cancer, though preventable, remained high, particularly in the vulnerable groups of the society.
In Moshupa, she said statistics showed that in the year 2021, about 78 women were screened and four were found to have precancerous lesions, while in 2022, a total of 175 clients were screened and 13 amongst them received treatment.
She said between 2021 and 2022, three women presented with advanced disease and later died.
“I, therefore, urge all eligible women to screen.
If cervical cancer is detected early, it can be prevented and treated.
No woman should die of cervical cancer,” she said.
Ms Muzila highlighted that women eligible for screening were those aged between 25 and 49 who were mostly at risk for developing cervical cancer.
For his part, Kgosi Oscar Mosielele of Moshupa said it was befitting to talk about cancer and understand the ways to fight it as it was an enemy to women’s health.
He, therefore, urged eligible women to screen and asked all present to pass the message to those who failed to attend.
A cervical cancer survivor, Ms Dineo Nyenye explained that she was diagnosed and went through the treatment process, noting that with the support from health officials she managed to win the battle.
She appealed to eligible women to screen for cervical cancer and receive treatment early, adding that early treatment saved lives.
“Those affected by cancer needs our support as the nation,” she said.
The event started with a walk and was held under the theme; Ending Cervical Cancer Within a Few Generations.
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