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Petra Ibum Adjah: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: A Call to Action

Petra Ibum Adjah/LinkedIn

Jan 4, 2025, 13:10

Petra Ibum Adjah: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: A Call to Action

Petra Ibum Adjah, Communications Manager for Pink Africa Foundation (PAF) and Non-Clinical Oncology Patient Navigator shared a post by Pink Africa Foundation on LinkedIn:

“Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: A Call to Action.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers – yet it remains a significant health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, is the perfect time to amplify the conversation about prevention, early detection, and equitable care.

Why Do We Advocate for Awareness?

Despite being highly preventable, cervical cancer claims the lives of over 300,000 women globally every year.

This burden is exacerbated by barriers such as limited access to vaccines, lack of awareness, and cultural stigma around screenings.

Advocacy can bridge these gaps by:

Promoting HPV Vaccination: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a game-changer. It can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases when administered early. However, access and education around vaccination remain inconsistent.
Encouraging Regular Screenings: Pap smears and HPV tests are critical for early detection. Yet, in many regions, women lack access to these life-saving tools. Awareness campaigns can empower women to prioritize their health.
Breaking Barriers: Cultural and societal stigmas often prevent women from seeking care. Advocacy helps normalize conversations about cervical health and encourages supportive community environments.

Your Role in the Fight Against Cervical Cancer.

Each of us has a part to play in raising awareness:

Share information about the importance of HPV vaccination for adolescents.
Advocate for accessible screening programs in underserved communities.
Support organizations working to eliminate cervical cancer disparities.

Together, we can create a world where no woman dies from a preventable disease.

Let’s use this month to educate, advocate, and empower.”

Quoting Pink Africa Foundation post:

“Cervical Cancer and HPV: What Do People Really Know?

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers, yet it continues to take lives often due to a lack of awareness.

At the heart of prevention lies understanding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases.

But how much does the general public really know about HPV and the importance of getting vaccinated?

To find out, we hit the streets for a vox-pop.

The responses were eye-opening:

Some had heard of HPV but weren’t aware it could cause cancer.
Others knew a vaccine existed, but believed that it caused more harm including an increase in promiscuity.
Yet, some others assumed it was only for young girls ages 9-14.

This highlights the urgent need for awareness campaigns about HPV vaccination and regular cervical screenings.

Watch the vox-pop and join the conversation: