Cervical Cancer: A Threat to Public Health.

Cervical Cancer: The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) has reiterated the pressing need for collective action against cervical cancer, emphasizing its devastating impact on the lives of countless women in Ghana.

As the country observes Mother’s Day, the organization underscores the importance of proactive measures to combat this preventable disease, urging support for vaccination, screening, and diagnosis therapy.

According to Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, cervical cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Ghanaian women, highlighting the urgency for intervention.

With over 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually and more than 2,000 resulting in fatalities, the situation calls for concerted efforts to reverse this trend.

Mr. Ameyibor stresses the need to enhance awareness, education, and accessibility to screening services, including Pap tests and HPV vaccinations. Additionally, he advocates for improved healthcare infrastructure and personnel training to facilitate early detection and treatment, thereby improving survival rates.

Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, Board Chairman of CDA Consult, echoes the organization’s commitment to fighting cervical cancer through the “Ghana Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer” initiative. This initiative aims to elevate preventive measures, including vaccination, detection, and treatment, with the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. Dr. Kludjeson emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts with stakeholders to advocate for policy changes, capacity-building initiatives, and community outreach programs.

Dr. Mrs. Anita Owusu-Afriyie, Medical Officer at the Oncology Unit of the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), underscores the significance of regular screening for early detection, emphasizing that early diagnosis can save lives. She advises women to undergo screening outside of menstruation to ensure accurate analysis and encourages seeking medical attention for any abnormal symptoms, such as bleeding after sex or menstrual periods.

In conclusion, CDA Consult and its partners are dedicated to raising awareness, promoting preventive measures, and providing support for those affected by cervical cancer. Through education, advocacy, and accessible healthcare services, they strive to combat the condition and safeguard the well-being of women across Ghana.