January is the cervical cancer Awareness month, a period set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to draw public attention to the disease which remains a major cause of death in women affected by the disease.
The Cameroon Baptist Health Services (CBHS) as one of the frontline institution in Cameroon in the fights against cervical cancer on January 12, 2024 organised a workshop in collaboration with the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalist (CAMASEJ). The workshop centred on cervical cancer elimination initiative in Cameroon. In line with the theme for the 2024 cervical cancer awareness month, the workshop aimed to create awareness about elimination strategies amongst journalists and some selected community health workers..
The over 40 participants were given an overview of the current situation of cervical cancer in Cameroon, causes, modes of transmission, how and where to screen for the disease, treatment methods available and the importance of early dictation in the fight against cervical cancer.
One of the objectives of the workshop was to equip journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively report on cancer-related issues. As Dr. Manga Simon, one of the facilitator puts it, media professionals have the power to influence public opinion and spark change. It is therefore crucial for media men and women to have accurate and up-to-date information on such pressing health issue and adequately inform the public.
Cervical cancer according to the health experts is cause by the Human papilloma virus (HPV) and is mostly transmitted through sex. The disease can be easily treated if detected early. The HPV can also be prevented by taking a vaccine against the virus.
The disease may not cause symptoms at the beginning but as it grows, cervical cancer may lead to vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual period, might cause menstrual bleeding that is heavier and last longer than usual, watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour and pelvic pain or pains during intercourse.
The one-day workshop on cervical cancer elimination strategies helped provide valuable information to journalists and health workers; it also highlighted the importance of collaboration and advocacy in in the fight against cervical cancer.
With the knowledge and skills gained from this workshop, the participants are now better equipped to play an active role fulfilling the theme of the 2024 cervical cancer awareness month which is ‘we can end cervical cancer!’ get informed, get vaccinated, get screened.
By Bathsheba Everdine
