Screening aids in early detection of cervical cancer — Occupational Health Nurse

Early screening plays a pivotal role in the fight against cervical cancer, enabling its early detection and increasing the chances of successful treatment, says Ms. Jennifer Nelson, a Preventive and Occupational Health Management Consultant and CEO of Lifeline Haven Company Limited.

Speaking at an engagement organized by the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) and Lifeline Haven to mark the 2025 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Ms. Nelson highlighted the critical importance of screening in efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

“Early detection is key to winning the war against cervical cancer. People should not fear going to health facilities for screening,” she urged.

Ms. Nelson noted that prophylactic HPV vaccination, combined with regular screening and prompt treatment of pre-cancerous lesions, is among the most effective and cost-efficient strategies for prevention.

“Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed early and treated promptly. Accelerating the pace toward early detection and intervention is vital to creating a world free of cervical cancer,” she added.

2025 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: A Call for Collective Action

Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the theme of the 2025 awareness month: “Eliminating Cervical Cancer: A Shared Responsibility.”

He explained that this theme reflects the need for collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and the public. “Cervical cancer claims thousands of lives annually in Ghana, but it is largely preventable. We need collective action to prioritize prevention, early detection, and treatment,” he stated.

Since 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has led a global campaign to eliminate cervical cancer, calling for innovative approaches and sustained efforts to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal targets.

“While progress has been made in raising awareness, we must scale up our efforts with a comprehensive national action plan involving both state and non-state actors,” Mr. Ameyibor said.

Mobilizing Resources and Advocacy

CDA Consult has launched a five-year advocacy campaign focusing on free HPV vaccinations, early screening, and treatment. The organization has also been rallying stakeholders, including health professionals, human rights advocates, gender activists, and communication practitioners, to push for comprehensive cervical cancer prevention measures.

Under the banner “Ghana Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer,” regional-specific slogans and strategies have been developed to localize advocacy efforts. For instance, the “Eastern Region Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer” campaign was launched in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the National Insurance Commission (NIC).

“This year, our team will work closely with regional health professionals to conduct extensive public education across districts to spread the message of prevention, vaccination, and treatment,” Mr. Ameyibor announced.

He commended the support of institutions like Caritas Christi Hospital, the NCCE, and NIC, whose collaboration strengthens the ongoing cervical cancer advocacy campaign.

Eliminating Cervical Cancer: The Road Ahead

As part of the month-long awareness campaign, activities will culminate in a national observance from January 22 to January 28. These events aim to educate the public about cervical cancer prevention, the importance of regular screenings, and the benefits of HPV vaccination.

“Our efforts are focused on drawing global and national attention to the slow progress in achieving the 2030 target. We are committed to scaling up the process to ensure no woman is left behind,” Mr. Ameyibor said.

Advocates remain optimistic that with sustained commitment and strategic actions, Ghana can make significant strides toward eliminating cervical cancer, creating a future where women's health is prioritized, and cervical cancer becomes a thing of the past.