Cervical cancer is different from other types of cancers in various ways. It is easily identifiable and might wait for a longer period of time before it changes into cancer and expands to other parts of the body.
Working on cervical cancer is cost-effective as the disease is easily curable during the early stages. Currently, cervical cancer treatment/prevention can be managed through vaccination. But, if one is negligent and does not go to clinics to receive early treatment, it will be difficult to identify the signs later on.
Hearing such pains of women in cervical cancer touches anyone. It is a serious and sensitive issue that could be managed through early pre-cancer treatments.
In Ethiopia, cervical cancer patients access cancer screening and treatment services at Tikur Anbessa Hospital while most of the others prefer to visit different holy water destinations countrywide, according to Dr. Ezekiel Petros a Gynecologist Specialist at the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE).
During a cervical cancer conference organized by Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE) Dr. Ezekiel said it is a clear fact that having pre-cancer and other disease screenings and treatment tests are advisable to maintain maternal health.
There is a probability for any women above the age of 25 who have already started to engage in sexual intercourse to be exposed to cervical cancer. Currently, several societies that fight against cancer are emerging in Ethiopia. They are working to mollify the pain and adversity of patients. FGAE is one of the non-governmental organizations engaged in cancer screening, prevention and controlling as well as medical treatment mobilization activities throughout the country.
When someone is aware of his/her health status, he/she will become free to talk about his/her situation without any doubt. This will also help him/her to have visions in life, he said.
“To tell the truth, cervical cancer is the worst disease for me because it is complicated to screen and treat. First, it has no easily identifiable symptoms, though it is easily identifiable at hospitals. Second, it can be identified after it is spread to the whole body parts. Third, its treatment is not that satisfactory. Lastly, the misery that the patients feel is terrifying for an observer.”
Several factors are hindering Ethiopian women from accessing pre-cancer screening and treatment. Among them are cultural influence and upbringing, shyness, and fear of the disease as well as lack of awareness (information) about early warning signs of cervical cancer and where to go for screening and other related services, he said.
The Doctor advises women to be courageous to make the screening on time. “Pre-cancer screening is successful to show the presence and exposure to cancer above 90 percent. Thus, as cancer is identified during screening, it would be possible to start the treatment at an early stage.”
The spread of the cancerous cells throughout the body has four stages of development inside the body and its treatment is conducted accordingly.
While cancerous cell spreads during the first and second stages, it is possible to detect it through an operation. The third and fourth stags need treatment through radiation and chemotherapy.
The first and second stages of cervical cancer are preventable up to 80-90 percent. But, still, people should go-ahead to take all the necessary treatment services, he emphasized. But, in the third and fourth stages, cervical cancer is preventable only up to 50-60 percent and patient’s safety and continuous medical follow up is mandatory.
The Ethiopian Herald November21, 2019
BY TEWODROS KASSA
