Notes to broadcasters on cervical cancer
Date Posted: July 16th, 2012
Cervical cancer is usually caused by the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus. It can be treated if identified early. It shows few symptoms, and is usually detected by screening tests. However, many African women do not have access to these tests or the medical facilities that provide them. This is an issue of increasing importance for women’s health in Africa.
For more information of cervical cancer prevention in Africa, visit: http://www.africa-health.com/articles/november_2009/Cervical%20cancer%20prevention%20in%20Africa.pdf
For information on cervical cancer screening in Africa: http://cancercareafrica.org/cervical_cancer.html
For the World Health Organization’s information about cervical cancer in Africa, visit: http://www.afro.who.int/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2810:cervical-cancer&catid=1999&Itemid=2793
You may want to raise awareness of this issue in your communities. It can be a difficult topic to discuss, and it is important that you and your listeners understand the facts about the disease. Try to find statistics on cervical cancer from your local hospital; ask a doctor or nurse to explain the symptoms and the availability of screening and treatment.
