Dr. Mrs. Anita Owusu-Afriyie, a Medical Officer at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) in Tema, has urged women not to overlook cervical cancer screening, emphasizing that the cost of screening is minimal compared to the potential cost of treatment.
Speaking during an interaction with officials from the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) in Tema, Dr. Mrs. Owusu-Afriyie stressed the importance of early detection in preventing cervical cancer-related fatalities.
She underscored the significance of cervical and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screenings for women aged 21 and older, highlighting that early detection through screening could save lives. Dr. Mrs. Owusu-Afriyie emphasized that HPV, the primary cause of cervical cancer, can be contracted through various forms of sexual activity and stressed the need for prompt medical attention upon detecting any abnormal symptoms.
In addition to providing guidance on symptom recognition, Dr. Mrs. Owusu-Afriyie encouraged women to conduct regular self-examinations and report any abnormalities promptly.
Echoing the call for heightened awareness and advocacy, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in promoting cervical cancer screening and prevention initiatives. He called on corporate entities and institutions to facilitate free screening programs for their staff, thus promoting holistic health practices in the workplace.
Mr. Ameyibor highlighted the critical role of public education in addressing knowledge gaps and breaking barriers to cervical cancer screening. He advocated for increased government support to expand screening and treatment services, particularly in low-resource areas.
As part of its advocacy efforts, CDA Consult plans to establish the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Training Centre (CCPTC) in collaboration with health professionals and institutions. This center aims to train and equip middle cadre workers to deliver essential cervical cancer screening and treatment services across various regions of Ghana.
Mr. Ameyibor commended recent initiatives such as the “Eastern Region must rise against cervical cancer” campaign, spearheaded by the Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education and the National Insurance Commission. He emphasized the need for sustained efforts to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against cervical cancer nationwide.
