Douala General Hospital organises free screening for cervical cancer.

Medics at the Douala General Hospital disclosed that many women in Douala are diagnosed at a late stage, making treatment challenging. 

According to them, cervical cancer continues to be a major health issue, with a recent study revealing a prevalence of pre-cancerous lesions among screened women in the city. 

The campaign attracted women in the numbers, with health professionals, raising awareness and encouraging women to undergo regular screenings.

Experts emphasised the importance of vaccination, screening, and treatment to combat the disease. Dr Megne Boudjeka, medical practitioner who schooled the women, stressed that cervical cancer remains a major threat to public health.

“It is the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer. Unlike in developed countries where cervical cancer is less prevalent due to effective prevention measures, it remains a major issue in Cameroon,” she said. 

Laying emphasis on preventive measures, she said that: “To prevent cervical cancer, primary measures include vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus, HPV, responsible sexuality, and avoiding risk factors such as tobacco use and immunodepression. Secondary prevention involves regular screening through Pap smears and HPV tests to detect pre-cancerous lesions and cancerous cells early”.

“If detected early, pre-cancerous lesions can be treated, and cancer can be prevented,” she added. 

The women who turned out for the free screening testified of the importance of such an initiative. A fifty-four old woman who only identified herself as Lobe, said it is very important not to be caught off guard at the last minute. 

“It's crucial and we need to multiply the sessions. At least every two years, we should have a session to avoid being caught off guard,” she stated. 

She added that: “As a teacher, I have to convey the message to young girls so that the work can be done upstream and downstream. We can't leave this work to the health professionals only. In our different environments and meetings, we need to talk about it because there are women who are unaware of this reality”.

To her, a collaborative effort in disseminating the information around the disease is imperative. Another beneficiary of the campaign, a pregnant lady who chose to stay anonymous opined that: “It's very important for women to know their health status, especially regarding this disease”.

“Since we talk about it, it seems very dangerous. When I heard about the screening, I immediately went to find out how my body is doing, to know where I stand. I truly think it's very important for all women,” she said. 

Rising cases of cervical cancer

According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally with around 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths in 2022 alone. 

According to the WHO, the Human Papiloma Virus infections cause approximately 72,000 cases of cervical cancer each year in Africa.

It is said to affects younger age groups as a result of early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, and exposure to other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.

Worth noting, the treatment costs hundreds of thousands of FCFA, and more, and women, both young and old, are called upon to go for screening often, in order not to be caught unaware. 

According to the Who’s strategy, the main risk factor is the Human Papillomavirus, HPV. The global strategy aims to vaccinate 90% of girls, screen 70% of women aged 35-45, and treat 90% of those with cervical disease by 2030. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3492 of Thursday July 03, 2025