In a bid to raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention, Dr. Elijah Abakah-Quansah, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the SDA Hospital in Sunyani, has emphasized the importance of women, particularly young girls, steering clear of multiple sexual partners. He underscores that this practice significantly increases the risk of contracting cervical cancer, a disease primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. Dr. Abakah-Quansah stresses the necessity for regular screening and vaccination to facilitate early detection and prevention.

The advice was Imparted during a seminar organized jointly with the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital for over 70 female staff and tenants of the Sunyani Regional Office of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). The seminar aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of cervical cancer and its potential health ramifications. Dr. Abakah-Quansah highlighted cervical cancer as the second most common cancer in women, emphasizing its debilitating impact and urging proactive measures for early detection.

He reiterates that while cervical cancer is a serious concern, it is not a death sentence, especially when diagnosed early. Treatment options, including surgery, are available and have shown success in managing the disease. However, Dr. Abakah-Quansah expresses alarm at the increasing incidence of cervical cancer cases, noting a significant rise in reported cases at health facilities, including Sunyani’s SDA Hospital.

Dr. Abakah-Quansah calls for urgent governmental intervention, advocating for a national policy providing free vaccination, screening, and treatment for women and girls. He emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness about cervical cancer to curb its prevalence. Michael P. K. Asumanu, the Administrator of the Sunyani COCOBOD, echoes these sentiments, highlighting the need for increased education about the signs and symptoms of the disease, especially among women who may be unaware of its implications.

The collaborative effort between the SDA Hospital and COCOBOD underscores a proactive approach to combatting cervical cancer, with a call for societal support, particularly from men, to encourage women to undergo screening and vaccination. The seminar serves as a crucial step towards empowering women with knowledge to safeguard their health against this prevalent yet preventable disease.