Gender
Upscale screening to eliminate cervical cancer —Nurse
Ms Jennifer Nelson, a Preventive and Occupational Health Management Consultant, has called for a scale up in the screening for cervical cancer to aid in early detection.
She said screening was a critical component of cervical cancer elimination, stressing that it could accelerate the pace of a world free of cervical cancer marching towards the 2030 deadline.
Ms Nelson, who is also the CEO of the preventive health NGO, Lifeline Haven Company Limited, stated during an engagement organised by Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) as part of activities to mark the 2025 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
Since 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been driving a global effort to eliminate cervical cancer, underscoring the necessity of collaborative innovation and sustained commitment.
Cervical Health Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the progress made and the work that lies ahead. Amplifying the importance of prevention, championing mental health care, and fostering a supportive community can prioritise cervical cancer activities.
She explained that young people, especially women, must be encouraged to undergo the screening. “Early detection is key to winning the war against cervical cancer; people should not fear going to health facilities for screening.”
Ms Nelson noted, “Prophylactic vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions are effective strategies to prevent cervical cancer and are cost-effective.
“Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.” Mr Francis Ameyibor, CDA Consult Executive Director, said the 2025 theme for Cervical Cancer Awareness month is “Eliminating Cervical Cancer: A Shared Responsibility.”
He said the theme emphasised the need for collective action to prevent cervical cancer, which claims thousands of lives annually in Ghana.
He explained that Cervical Cancer Prevention Month served as a dedicated awareness campaign aimed at educating people about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of regular screenings and it was a largely preventable disease, and this week serves as a reminder to prioritise cervical health and take steps to reduce the risk of the cancer.
Mr Ameyibor said the climax of Cervical Cancer Prevention Month is observed from January 22 to January 28, stressing that CDA Consult and partners have lined up series of events this month to commemorate the event.
He said the advocacy group has to roll out a relentless advocacy campaign to combat cervical cancer in the country and also draw global attention to the slow pace of achieving the 2030 target and the need for scaling up the process.
Mr Ameyibor said CDA Consult, in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the National Insurance Commission (NIC), launched the “Eastern Region Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer” last year.
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