By Sylvia Naa Djamah Akrong; Lecturer, Public Health Nurses Training College, Korle-Bu

As we mark another year and month dedicated to cervical cancer awareness, it is an opportune time to emphasize prevention, education, and early detection of this avoidable disease. I call cervical cancer an "avoidable disease" because, unlike many other cancers, its primary cause is known. This knowledge empowers us to tackle it effectively.

Cervical cancer affects the lower part of the uterus, known as the cervix, and is primarily caused by persistent infections with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cancer among women in Ghana. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), approximately 604,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer globally each year, with the majority of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana.

The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable. Routine screening, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, allows for the early detection of abnormal cervical cells, enabling timely treatment. Additionally, vaccination with the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of HPV infections and, consequently, cervical cancer. As we observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in 2025, I urge my fellow women—mothers, daughters, sisters, and nieces—to say YES to cervical screening. Early detection can save lives.

To the men—fathers, husbands, sons, and nephews—your role is equally vital. Encourage and support the women in your lives to prioritize their health by screening and vaccinating against HPV. Together, we can help eliminate cervical cancer as a threat to women's health. Let us all unite to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. Together, we can create a healthier and brighter future for all women.

Take Action Today

• Be Empowered to Take Control of Your Health.
• Choose Life Over Death: Vaccinate, Screen, and Stay Informed