Ho (V/R), Oct. 30, GNA – Dr. Lawrence Kumi, Chief Executive Officer of Caritas Christi Hospital at Ho, Volta Region, has called for concerted efforts to deal with cervical cancer “as it can be cured at any age if signs or concerns are identified early.”
Dr. Kumi advised women who notice unusual bleeding throughout their menstrual cycle, after menopause, or during sexual activity, elevated or malodorous vaginal discharge symptoms, such as recurrent pelvic, back, or leg pain; weariness; appetite loss; vaginal discomfort; and leg swelling, to seek medical attention.
He said it is important to go for diagnostic tests and clinical evaluations, which would be typically followed by referrals for treatment services such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, as well as palliative care to offer pain management and supportive care.
Dr. Kumi, who is also the Medical Director of Caritas Christi Hospital, stated during an engagement with officials of the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult Limited (CDA Consult) at Ho to join the national anti-cervical cancer advocacy.
The CDA Consult, in partnership with Lifeline Haven Company Limited, has embarked on a nationwide five-year FREE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) VACCINATION ADVOCACY to scale up prevention, detection, and treatment towards the elimination of cervical cancer in Ghana.
The nationwide anti-cervical cancer advocacy campaign also seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of cervical cancer and the need for concerted efforts to deal with the danger.
Dr. Kumi, who was delighted about the project, stressed that cervical cancer is curable, but the crucial first step is identifying symptoms and getting medical advice to address any concerns.
The Caritas Christi Hospital Medical Director emphasised the significance of the management pathways for invasive cancer care, stressing that to guarantee that a patient is referred as soon as possible and is assisted in navigating the process of receiving a diagnosis and making treatment decisions.
Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult Ltd, explained that as part of the holistic advocacy, CDA Consult, in partnership with Lifeline Haven Company Limited, will next year roll out a “Holistic Health Reporting” training for media personnel and health professionals across the 16 regions.
He said there is a need to narrow the gap between health professionals and media personnel, stressing the two professional bodies need each other for enhanced health care and transmission of health news.
Mr. Ameyibor said the project seeks to enhance media personnel with health reporting skills while empowering health professionals with skills on how to engage the media on health issues, especially cervical cancer.
The CDA Consult Executive Director revealed that the results of previous studies indicate that a lack of knowledge about cervical cancer among Ghanaians may be a barrier to cervical cancer screening, hence the need to build the capacity of media personnel and health professionals to also serve as change agents in health communication.
Ms. Jennifer Nelson, a Preventive and Occupational Health Management Consultant stressed that increasing public awareness and facilitating access to resources are essential to preventing and controlling cervical cancer throughout a person’s life.
She mentioned that a highly efficient strategy to avoid HPV infection, cervical cancer, and other malignancies associated with HPV is to get vaccinated between the ages of 9 and 14.
Ms. Nelson, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Lifeline Haven Company Limited, stated that before girls age 9 to 14 engage in sexual activity, HPV vaccinations should be administered to them as a priority.
GNA