State urges women to screen for cervical cancer
Cancer experts discussing the programme of the 2nd International Breast Cancer Symposium. The Ministry of Health has appealed to women of reproductive age to get screened for cervical cancer during National Cancer Awareness Week that runs from January 19 to 24, 2020. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent type of cancer worldwide.
- Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV through sexual activity is the main cause of the disease.
- National Cancer Awareness Week runs from January 19 to 24.
The Ministry of Health has appealed to women of reproductive age to get screened for cervical cancer during National Cancer Awareness Week that runs from January 19 to 24.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent type of cancer worldwide. Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV through sexual activity is the main cause of the disease.
Dr Mary Nyangasi, who heads the National Cancer Control Programme, said the national screening campaign that will be launched in Makueni County is meant to detect the disease and help women get medical attention before it progresses to dangerous stages.
“As a ministry, we are offering free screening services during the awareness week so as to help turn the tide against cervical cancer, which is curable once detected and treated at early stages. All sub-county and county health facilities will be offering the service free of charge to ensure that no woman is left behind,” said Dr Nyangasi.
CANCER AWARENESS
The week is aimed at creating awareness on the disease and sensitising the public on the need to get tested, she said. All women of child-bearing age are eligible.
She said the government is committed to reducing the national cervical cancer burden that is estimated at 5,250 new cases and 3,286 deaths annually.
“The ministry is committed to reducing the national cervical cancer burden through intensified screening, detection and treatment,” she said.
The government launched the HPV vaccine in Kenya on October 18, 2019, a timely measure that she said will go a long way in protecting the coming generations from HPV infection and cervical cancer.
Women 4 Cancer Early Detection and Treatment co-founder Benda Njeri Kithaka said the non-governmental organisation aims for the testing of 5,000 women in this year’s campaign.
“Last year, we tested 2,500 women working in conjunction with the Health ministry. This year, we want to double the figure in an effort to ensure that more women are screened and referred for treatment that will restore their health,” Ms Kithaka said.
