Stakeholders in the health sector have urged the government to provide free cervical cancer vaccinations as an effective measure to prevent the disease among women and encourage widespread participation, especially among younger women.

They emphasized that cervical cancer can be effectively treated if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.

During a health advocacy initiative called "Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility," stakeholders called for the government to make cervical cancer vaccination free to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in the country. The initiative aims to promote health-related communication and provide a platform for health information dissemination to improve health literacy.

Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, stakeholders highlighted that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 604,000 new cases reported in 2020. They urged the government to absorb the cost of cervical cancer vaccination to reduce the financial burden on women and encourage greater participation.

Dr. Yaa Akyaa Boateng, a family physician specialist at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness and facilitating access to resources for preventing and controlling cervical cancer throughout a person's life.

Dr. Boateng highlighted the efficacy of vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) between the ages of 9 and 14 as a highly efficient strategy to prevent HPV infection and associated malignancies.

She emphasized that screening around age 30 and prompt treatment can effectively prevent cervical cancer, and early identification and treatment of signs or concerns can lead to a cure at any age.

“If detected and treated in its early stages, cervical cancer is curable. A crucial first step is identifying symptoms and getting medical advice to address any concerns.

“If a woman notices unusual bleeding throughout her menstrual cycle, after menopause, or during sexual activity, elevated or malodorous vaginal discharge symptoms, such as recurrent pelvic, back, or leg pain; weariness; appetite loss; vaginal discomfort; and leg swelling, important diagnostic tests and clinical evaluations are typically followed.

Dr. Yaa Akyaa Boateng emphasized the importance of referrals for treatment services such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and palliative care, which offers pain management and supportive care.

She highlighted the significance of management pathways for invasive cancer care to ensure that patients are referred promptly and assisted in navigating the process of diagnosis and treatment decision-making.

Recognizing that women play a crucial role in families, society, and the nation, Dr. Boateng underscored the need to encourage women to undergo regular check-ups for early diagnosis.

Early detection enables women to maintain their health and continue their daily tasks. The emphasis on preventive health care for women aims to empower them with information and resources to make informed choices about their well-being.