A Medical Officer at the Oncology Unit of the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), Dr. Anita Owusu-Afriyie, has revealed that 233 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each month, and tragically, 142 of them succumb to the disease monthly.
The data highlights that 58 women receive a cervical cancer diagnosis on a weekly basis, with 35 losing their lives every week. Moreover, a disturbing 2,797 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in Ghana, and a heartbreaking 1,699 lose their lives to the disease.
Cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among women in Ghana, following breast cancer.
Dr. Owusu-Afriyie shared these statistics during the “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility!” health promotion initiative organized by the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office.
The initiative aims to disseminate health information to enhance health literacy and influence personal health choices.
She emphasized the importance of regular cervical cancer screening, as early detection can be a lifesaver. Dr. Owusu-Afriyie urged men to support and encourage their partners, wives, sisters, mothers, and friends to undergo screening.
Prolonged infection with specific strains of Human papillomavirus (HPV) is identified as the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus transmitted through sexual contact, and although many sexually active individuals contract HPV at some point, only a small percentage of women develop cervical cancer.
Dr. Owusu-Afriyie advised women not to undergo cervical cancer screening during menstruation, as menstrual blood can affect the accuracy of the analysis.
She also encouraged women who experience abnormal bleeding after sexual intercourse or menstruation to seek medical attention.
Furthermore, individuals undergoing treatment for cervical cancer should abstain from sexual intercourse or engage in protected sex, as the treatment is aimed at eliminating cancer cells from the cervix.
Dr. Owusu-Afriyie called on all females aged 21 and older to undergo cervical cancer screening.
Francis Ameyibor, the GNA Tema Regional Manager, explained that the office aimed to leverage the agency’s communication expertise and the skills of health professionals to educate the public on the importance of overall health.
He also mentioned that the weekly health dialogue platform would serve as an effective channel for health professionals to educate the public on healthy practices and general health issues.