AU needs collaborative initiative to tackle cervical cancer challenges – Expert

Dr Sarah Thompson, an Oncologist, says a comprehensive and collaborative initiative is needed on the continent in response to persistent challenges related to cervical cancer.

Thompson, who is a specialist in breast cancer research and treatment, said this to the newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

Supreme News reports that the Africa Centre for Disease Control says cervical cancer is the second most common in African women (Breast cancers are first).

Since 2009, there has been a vaccine that is 100 per cent effective in preventing cervical cancer and yet only 22 out of 54 African countries have included HPV vaccine in their national immunisation programmes.

Even in those countries that have, coverage is well below the target of 90 per cent.

She said that the multifaceted approach should be aimed to increase awareness, bolster healthcare infrastructure, enhance vaccination coverage, and implement effective screening and early detection programmes across the continent.

She advised that stakeholders should unite in the fight against cervical cancer, advocate for proactive measures to improve women’s health and reduce the burden of the prevalent disease.

“Cervical cancer continues to be a prevalent health concern for women across the continent, maintaining its status as the second most common cancer among African women.

“In spite of progress in global healthcare, several factors contribute to the persistently high incidence of cervical cancer on the continent.”

She said that a major contributing factor was the limited access to cervical cancer screening programmes.

“Many African countries face challenges in establishing and maintaining widespread screening initiatives, resulting in a significant portion of women not undergoing regular screenings for early detection,” she said.

According to her, there is insufficient awareness about the importance of regular Pap smears and Human papillomavirus (HPV), adding that vaccination plays a crucial role in the high incidence rates.

She explained that lack of education on preventive measures and the benefits of early detection contributed to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

“Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, poses a significant barrier to accessing quality healthcare services.

“This includes difficulties in obtaining cervical cancer screening, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment, “she said.

She also said that HPV infection was a leading risk factor for cervical cancer.

“Certain regions in Africa experience a higher prevalence of specific high-risk HPV types, increasing the overall risk of cervical cancer among women,“ she said.

According to her, availability and accessibility of HPV vaccines remain limited in many African countries, reducing opportunities for preventing HPV infections, a critical step in lowering cervical cancer rates.

She said the sociocultural factors such as stigma surrounding reproductive health issues, could discourage women from seeking preventive care or discussing symptoms related to cervical cancer.

“Cervical cancer often presents at advanced stages due to lack of routine screenings and delays in seeking medical attention.

“Limited access to timely and effective treatment further impacts the overall survival rates for cervical cancer patients, “she said.

She said that collaborative efforts from the African Union, governments, healthcare organisations and international partners were essential to reducing the burden of cervical cancer and promoting women’s health across Africa.