We are increasingly aware of the importance of early detection in the fight against cancer. This reality is particularly glaring in Senegal, where cervical cancer is the second cause of death among women suffering from this disease. To reverse this alarming trend, the Senegalese Cancer League organized training for 140 midwives across five cities in the country.
During a session in a health center in Thiès, around thirty midwives were trained in the screening technique by visual inspection with acetic acid and in the elimination of precancerous lesions. This method, simple, inexpensive and easy to teach, allows precancerous lesions to be detected earlier. By applying acetic acid to the cervix, the lesions appear white after a minute, allowing them to be treated immediately and preventing the further development of cancer.
The benefits of this early detection are undeniable. By detecting and treating precancerous lesions, it is possible to completely prevent the development of cancer. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed late, resulting in the loss of precious lives. Mame Soukhnou Faye, midwife working in a health center near Thiès, testified to the reality of this disease in rural areas. She found that some cases of precancerous lesions were diagnosed too late, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of life of the patients.
Despite the obvious advantages of early detection, a major obstacle persists: the cost of in-depth examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Although chemotherapy has now been free for four years, the tests necessary to confirm a case of cancer are not. This reality raises legitimate concerns about access to care for all women. Sylviane Bingui, a midwife for 13 years, wonders about the possibility for women to access treatment if they are diagnosed: “If I have this disease, would I be able to afford treatment?” It is therefore essential to make women aware of the importance of consulting quickly, so as not to let the disease progress to the stage of cancer.
This training of midwives is an essential step in the fight against cervical cancer in Senegal. It helps improve the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, so that they can effectively detect and treat precancerous lesions. This helps reduce the prevalence of this cancer and save lives. Thanks to such initiatives, it is possible to bring positive changes to Senegalese society and fight against this disease which represents a real public health problem..
In conclusion, training midwives in cervical cancer screening is an important step in the fight against this disease in Senegal. By improving the skills of health professionals and raising awareness among women of the importance of early detection, it is possible to prevent the development of cancer cases and save lives. Additional efforts must be made to guarantee access to care and treatment for all women, in order to definitively eradicate this scourge.