CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 6,04, 000 new cases and 3,42, 000 deaths in 2020. About 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

Every year about 1943 women die in Nepal alone due to cervical cancer despite being easily preventable and curable.

Rationale

The World Health Assembly also adopted the global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.

And to join hands on this WHO mission from our level and the lack of awareness about this disease among public, Nepal Health Corps, Nepalgunj Medical College (NHC,NGMC) performed this cervical cancer screening program.

Objectives

To create Awareness among women of Paraspur, Nepalgunj-17 on reproductive health and cervical cancer.

To Screen women for cervical cancer using Visual Inspection with acetic acid.

To Screen women for other reproductive health problems and provide medication for their problems.

To provide medication for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Vaginal Discharge.

To provide Proper counseling to VIA positive and prolapse uterus patients about their treatment options and outcomes.

To Refer VIA positive cases to higher center for treatment.

Activities

Date: 27th May, 2023 (2080-02-13)

Location: Paraspur, Nepalgunj-17, Banke

No. of participants: 168

The cervical cancer screening program effectively reached out to the women in Paraspur and provided them with VIA screenings. VIA is a simple, cost-effective method that involves applying acetic acid to the cervix and visually inspecting it for any abnormalities. The screening was conducted by trained doctors in the supervision of a senior consultant. Nurses and Health assistants also offered their invaluable and enthusiastic support throughout. A referral portal was ensured in association with the local bodies to allow concession in all further workup to encourage these women to seek help.

PID and Vaginal Discharge Syndrome Medication

The program also focused on addressing other reproductive health concerns. Women who were diagnosed with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Vaginal Discharge Syndrome were provided with appropriate medications to treat their conditions free of cost. The exact number of women diagnosed with these conditions was not recorded officially but it presented as a major issue in vast majority of women.

Referral for Prolapsed Uterus

During the screening program, 9 women were identified with prolapsed uterus, a condition in which the uterus descends into the vaginal canal. These women were promptly referred to specialized healthcare providers for further evaluation and treatment.

Awareness and Education

The program also focused on raising awareness about cervical cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of regular screenings. Educational materials, including pamphlets a5nd verbal counseling, were provided to the participants to increase their knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and the benefits of early detection.