Our Pledge: Screening to End Cervical Cancer
In Kenya, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women and the most common among women aged 15 to 44. In 2018, there were an estimated 5250 cervical cancer cases and 3286 deaths in Kenya, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer Global Incidence, Mortality, and Prevalence. This makes cervical cancer the leading cause of death among Kenyan women, and the situation is significantly worse in rural areas with inadequate access to healthcare.
HopeCore is helping to significantly affect the impact cervical cancer has inTharaka Nithi County by conducting thorough screenings and educating the community about cervical cancer through the village-based mother and child health clinics. These clinics provide a convenient and welcoming environment for women to learn about various health issues, including cervical cancer.
As we mark cervical cancer awareness month, it's crucial to stress the importance of early detection through regular screenings. Timely screening can make a huge difference in survival, and women must understand the significance of regular screenings and the risks associated with not getting screened.
We offer cervical cancer screening at our community clinic. Since 2020, the clinic has screened 279 women, with 22 having tested positive for VIA/VILLI, and 4 of which were confirmed as positive for cervical cancer. Thankfully, these women were tested early and expected to fully recover with proper treatment. This highlights the importance of community screening and its impact on saving lives.
In addition to cervical cancer screening, we also offer the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine at the community clinic, which is an essential tool in the fight against cervical cancer. We have vaccinated 37 girls. The vaccine is designed to protect young girls from the most common strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. One of the main advantages of the HPV vaccine is that it can be given to girls as young as 9 years old. This is important because the vaccine is most effective before a person becomes sexually active. By vaccinating girls at a young age, we can ensure they are protected from HPV before they are exposed to the virus.
In this cervical cancer awareness month, let us pledge to spread the word about the importance of cervical cancer screening and encourage the women around us to get screened. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cervical cancer.
