Screening is a critical component of cervical cancer elimination—Nurse

Ms. Jennifer Nelson, a Preventive and Occupational Health Management Consultant, has stressed the crucial role of screening in the fight to eliminate cervical cancer by the 2030 deadline.

Ms. Nelson, who is also the CEO of Lifeline Haven Company Limited, a preventive health NGO, emphasized the importance of sharing information on cervical cancer prevention, particularly encouraging young women to undergo screening.

“Early detection is key to winning the war against cervical cancer; people should not fear going to health facilities for screening,” she said. Ms. Nelson made these remarks during the strategic advocacy review forum of the national advocacy campaign to combat cervical cancer, organized by Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) in collaboration with Lifeline Haven Company.

CDA Consult, along with its partners, has launched a nationwide five-year free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination advocacy campaign to increase prevention, detection, and treatment efforts aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Ghana.

Ms. Nelson explained that infection by high-risk types of HPV, which causes over 99 percent of cervical cancers, can be prevented through safe and effective vaccines. She highlighted that, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), girls between the ages of 9 and 14 should receive two doses of the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure. “We need collective efforts to deal with cervical cancer,” she added.

She also pointed out that prophylactic vaccination against HPV, along with screening and treatment for pre-cancer lesions, are effective, cost-efficient strategies for preventing cervical cancer. “Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed early and treated promptly,” Ms. Nelson said.

Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, explained that the organization and its partners are mobilizing resources and rallying stakeholders as part of their national advocacy campaign against cervical cancer. He noted that while progress has been made in raising awareness, more needs to be done to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal for cervical cancer eradication.

“As we approach the 2030 deadline, we must scale up our efforts through a comprehensive national action involving both state and non-state actors,” Mr. Ameyibor said. He emphasized the importance of a relentless advocacy campaign, aimed at not only combating cervical cancer in Ghana but also drawing global attention to the slow pace of progress.

Under the banner “Ghana Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer,” CDA Consult has developed region-specific slogans and advocacy strategies to accelerate public education. Mr. Ameyibor mentioned that, in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the National Insurance Commission (NIC), they launched the “Eastern Region Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer” campaign last month.

“Next year, our team will work with regional health professionals to ensure that the message of combating cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, diagnosis, and treatment reaches every district,” he added.

Mr. Ameyibor also commended the NCCE and NIC for their support in the advocacy efforts, noting that their collaboration is vital in arming Ghana with the necessary resources to fight cervical cancer.

Dr. Lawrence Kumi, CEO of Caritas Christi Hospital in Ho, Volta Region, also voiced his support for the national anti-cervical cancer campaign. He emphasized that cervical cancer is curable, but early detection is critical. “Cervical cancer can be cured at any age if signs are identified early and addressed,” Dr. Kumi stated.

Dr. Kumi advised women to seek medical attention if they notice symptoms such as unusual bleeding during their menstrual cycle, after menopause, or during sexual activity, as well as persistent pelvic, back, or leg pain, unusual vaginal discharge, fatigue, appetite loss, vaginal discomfort, or leg swelling.

He underscored the importance of diagnostic tests and clinical evaluations, which may lead to referrals for treatment services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and palliative care. Dr. Kumi highlighted the significance of management pathways for invasive cancer care to ensure patients are quickly referred and supported throughout their treatment journey.