Dr. Promise Sefogah, the General Secretary of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana, has sounded the alarm on the escalating loss of young women to cervical cancer in the country. With a population of 30 million, Ghana faces a staggering statistic: approximately 10 million women aged 15 and above are at risk of developing cervical cancer annually.
Tragically, Ghana diagnoses nearly 3,000 cases of cervical cancer each year, with an alarming mortality rate claiming the lives of almost 1,700 women. Compounding this crisis is the late detection of most cases, leaving little opportunity for life-saving interventions.
Understanding Cervical Cancer: A Grave Concern
Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide and stands as the second most prevalent cancer in Ghana. Regrettably, it also claims the highest number of women’s lives due to its devastating mortality rate.
The disease, attributed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), primarily affects the cervix, the gateway to the female reproductive system. HPV transmission occurs through unprotected sexual contact, with the virus often remaining dormant in the cervix for 10 to 15 years before symptoms manifest.
Signs and Symptoms: Recognizing the Red Flags
Affected women may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, post-coital bleeding, offensive vaginal discharge, back pain, and unexplained weight loss, particularly in advanced stages of the disease.
Dispelling Misconceptions: The Role of Family Planning
Dr. Sefogah refutes claims linking certain family planning methods, such as Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), to cervical cancer. Instead, he underscores the importance of IUDs as an effective contraceptive method while emphasizing the necessity of barrier protection during sexual activity to prevent HPV transmission.
Prevention: A Lifesaving Imperative
Screening and vaccination emerge as vital tools in the fight against cervical cancer. Pap smear screenings, performed annually, facilitate early detection and intervention, offering a lifeline to at-risk women. Vaccination against HPV provides a crucial preventive measure, particularly when administered to children before their sexual debut.
Financial Barriers to Access: A Hindrance to Progress
Despite the availability of effective vaccines, financial constraints hinder widespread access to cervical cancer prevention measures in Ghana. Dr. Sefogah calls for government intervention to eliminate financial barriers and integrate vaccination into routine healthcare services, ensuring equitable access for all women.
Advocacy and Awareness: Empowering Communities
Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Pediatric Society of Ghana, underscores the importance of vaccination for children before sexual activity commences. Together with the Medical Women Association of Ghana, Dr. Boye advocates for comprehensive education, free screenings, and community sensitization initiatives to raise awareness and empower women to take charge of their health.
As Ghana confronts the devastating toll of cervical cancer, concerted efforts in advocacy, education, and access to preventive measures are essential to safeguarding the lives of women and girls across the nation.
Source: Ghana News Agency (GNA)
Conclusion:
Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its battle against cervical cancer, a silent yet deadly threat claiming the lives of far too many young women. Dr. Promise Sefogah’s impassioned plea underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address this growing crisis.
As the second most common cancer in Ghana and the leading cause of female mortality, cervical cancer demands our unwavering attention and action. The stark reality of diagnosing thousands of cases annually, with a staggering number succumbing to the disease, underscores the urgency of our response.
Dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer is paramount in our quest for prevention and early detection. Dr. Sefogah’s clarification regarding the role of family planning methods and the importance of barrier protection sheds light on the path forward.
Prevention emerges as our most potent weapon against cervical cancer. Through regular screenings and vaccination, we can intercept the disease at its earliest stages and offer hope to those at risk. The integration of vaccination into routine healthcare services and the elimination of financial barriers are crucial steps in ensuring equitable access for all women.
Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye’s advocacy for childhood vaccination underscores the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding future generations. By educating communities, providing free screenings, and fostering awareness, we empower women to prioritize their health and well-being.
As we conclude, let us unite in our commitment to combat cervical cancer. Through advocacy, education, and access to preventive measures, we can turn the tide against this formidable foe. Together, let us forge a future where cervical cancer no longer robs our mothers, sisters, and daughters of their lives, but instead, where every woman is empowered to live a life of health, dignity, and hope.
Source: Ghana News Agency (GNA)
