Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) Last Thursday, April 20th called on women and girls for early treatment detection of cervical cancer.
The event took place at PPASL Office at No 1 Richards Street.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and Cervical Cancer in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation Madam Salay Keru said that cervical cancer is a disease that starts in the cells of the cervix adding that the cervix is the lower, narrow of the uterus (womb).
She continued that the Cervical slowly develops over time and before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue.
She reiterated that if not destroyed or removed, the abnormal cells may become cancer cells and start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to the surrounding areas.
She added that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) occurs during first sex but is common among teenage girls.
Apart from having sex at an early age, one can also contract the virus when a woman has unprotected sex with multiple partners.
She added that it is difficult to cure the virus in people with weak immune systems, multiple pregnancies or child bearing, people who smoke etc.
She said the followings are signs and symptoms of cervical: Frequent discharge in the Virginia, untouched bleeding, bleeding when a woman is not on her monthly period, post-menopausal bleeding, and painful sexual activity among others.
She also informed the press that screening is for women from 25 to 49 and if a woman is not within the age bracket, specialists will not be able to identify the problem. She however urged women and girls to eat vegetables in order to bust their immune systems.
She called on women and girls to go for treatment or screening in the following hospitals Laka Hospital, Jui Hospital, Regent Hospital, Murry Town and Kinghaman Road government hospitals in Freetown.
Those in the Provinces should go to Port Loko and Kenema government hospitals.
She called everyone to use condom correctly adding that male involvement in the fight against the virus is important.
She said that there is no treatment for women below 25 years but there is an immunization process for girls from 10 years and above.
She called on men to encourage their partners to screen especially those in a polygamous home.
She said that between January and February 2023 they screened 290 women and 22 were infected, 7 were referred to cottage hospital for surgery.
She called on heads of community based organizations to spread the message on the dangers of the virus and encourage women to go for screening in government hospitals, adding that the treatment is free.
The Regional Coordinator of Cervical Cancer and HIV Prevention Project for Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) Madam Gladys A Goba said that PPASL and partners have been working with authorities, heads of community Base Organizations and young girls in various communities in creating awareness about the dangers of Cervical Cancer.
She continued that the messages have helped many women in the early detection and prevention of the disease. She called on women and girls to report any sexually transmitted infection (STI) or Cervical cancer case to the nearest health center. She urged the heads of Community Base organizations to spread the message across the country adding that the disease is deadly but curable.
The president of Youth Action Movement Sierra Leone Pharm Buya Bangura said that the disease is deadly and has the propensity to destroy lives but can be prevented if reported at an early stage.
He urged women and girls to go for early treatment.
By Sahr I Komba
