Cervical Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Each January, Kenya and the world mark Cervical Cancer Awareness month to raise awareness about cervical cancer screening, expanding treatment options and access to HPV vaccinations.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 604,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 342,000 women died from the disease in 2020. In Africa, approximately 80,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 60,000 die from the disease annually.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Kenya and the most common cancer in Kenyan women ages 15-44. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer Global Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence, there were an estimated 5250 cervical cancer cases and an estimated 3286 deaths in Kenya in 2018.

AMPATH operates several cervical cancer screening initiatives. One of the largest is part of a U54 grant from the National Institutes of Health to study HPV and Cervical Cancer in Kenyan Women with HIV/AIDS. Another is part of the AMPATH Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (ABCCCP) currently supported by Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. The goal of ABCCCP is to improve access to screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer in Kenya by addressing the barriers of cancer care through a population health approach, working with communities and the Ministry of Health in Kenya. Cervical cancer screening is also integrated into many other AMPATH initiatives.

AMPATH’s cervical cancer screening programs have screened more than 126,000 women in western Kenya. In 2020, screenings reached 15,945 women and all abnormalities were managed and treated as per the guidelines and standard of care.

In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness month, three strong women who have faced cervical cancer share their stories and encourage all women to get screened for cervical cancer.

Janet, Mary and Eunice faced cervical cancer and encourage all women to get screened.