PROJECT CERVICARE: Cervical Cancer Screening Program

Nepal Health Corps – KUSMS (2022-23)

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 its easy preventability and curability.

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 KUSMS planned Project Cervicare (Cervical Cancer Awareness and Screening program).

Objectives

• To create Awareness among women of Fakhel 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 with the help of Fakhel Health post.
• To provide Proper counseling to VIA positive patients about their treatment options and outcomes.
• To Refer VIA positive cases to Manmohan hospital for treatment.

Description of Activties

Cervical cancer screening of the women was done using Visual Inspection with acetic acid. All the women were also screened for other related reproductive health disorders. Along with that, breast self examination was also demonstrated and performed.

As the screening demonstrated a positive case so she was provided with peoper counseling and referral to Manmohan hospital for further examination and treatment.

Results and Outcomes

Out of 34 women screened,

• VIA positive – 1
• Unhealthy looking cervix – 2
• Vaginitis – 2
• Cervicitis – 2
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding – 1
• On breast examination, None of them showed lumps or any other significant finding.

Partnerships

• Rukmini Foundation
• Nepal Dhulikhel Hospital
• Dulikhel Hospital
• Fakhel Health Post

Annex