Despite the devastating toll of cervical cancer on women, many are still reluctant to undergo cervical cancer screenings at health facilities. Furthermore, many parents hesitate or refuse to take their young daughters for the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV vaccine).
The World Health Organization has identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten threats to global health, and this remains a challenge in many countries, including Uganda.
Uganda is one of the countries in the East African region with the highest prevalence and incidence of cervical cancer, with 80% of women diagnosed at an advanced stage, where survival rates are minimal. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month a time to talk about cervical cancer, its risks, and how to prevent it.
The question remains: “What are you doing as a Ugandan citizen to address the issue of cervical cancer, which has now overtaken breast cancer?”
As a professional Nurse-Midwife specialist and an advocate for maternal health, I have joined the global awareness campaign about cervical cancer. My passion for seeing a healthy community, particularly a world free from cervical cancer, is what drives me.
Sharing information about cervical cancer on various social and professional platforms has given me the opportunity to raise awareness and engage with people about this deadly disease. While most people appreciate the shared information, there are also worrying concerns, myths, and misconceptions about the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV), which people confidently express.
For instance, in one of the elite WhatsApp groups, a member said, “No, no, such vaccines are bad for our children’s health.” He added, “Please, Doctor, leave us alone. You can vaccinate your own children, but not ours. That vaccine has poison, and one dies slowly once they receive it.” Others believe that vaccinating their children with the HPV vaccine will lead to promiscuity.
Additionally, I have noticed significant fear among women regarding cervical cancer screening services. Some women think the procedure is extremely painful and involves a health provider cutting out the uterus, placing it on a tray, and then putting it back. Others fear the outcome of the screening results and avoid the service to prevent receiving bad news.
However, regular cervical cancer screenings for all women aged 25 and above are crucial for detecting any changes in the cervix that could potentially become cancerous. This can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
s the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” Additionally, all girls aged 9–14 years should be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer.
Most importantly, let’s spread this vital information about cervical cancer, empower one another, and prioritize our health. This is a collective responsibility for both men and women. Together, we can take proactive steps towards the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.
The author is World’s Best Nurse Finalist 2024; Award-Winning Researcher 2023; Heroes in Health Award-Winning Midwife 2021
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