Title: Screening for breast and cervical cancer in Kinshasa: a vital initiative for the health of Congolese women
Introduction:
The situation of breast and cervical cancers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is alarming, with a high mortality rate among women. This is why a gynecology-obstetrics team from the university clinics of Kinshasa, in collaboration with the national cancer center, launched a screening initiative for these cancers. This campaign aims to raise awareness among women aged 18 to 69 and encourage them to get screened, in order to detect these cancers at an early stage and improve their chances of survival.
The reality of breast and cervical cancer in the DRC:
Breast and cervical cancers are the deadliest in the DRC, causing hundreds of deaths among women each year. Unfortunately, many women go to hospital at an advanced stage of the disease, which significantly reduces their chances of survival. A recent study conducted by Kinshasa university clinics revealed that these two types of cancers are the most frequently diagnosed among women in the region.
The importance of early detection:
Early detection of breast and cervical cancer is essential to improve the chances of survival of affected women. When these cancers are detected at an early stage, the chances of treatment and cure are much higher. This is why it is crucial for women to get screened regularly, even if there are no symptoms or suspicion of cancer. By identifying tumors before they become malignant and spread, medical management can be more effective.
The importance of awareness and prevention:
In addition to screening, it is also important to educate women about the risk factors and preventive measures related to these cancers. Among the main preventive measures are the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity and avoiding smoking. Additionally, vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can prevent cervical cancer in women.
Conclusion:
The breast and cervical cancer screening campaign in Kinshasa is a vital initiative to improve the health of Congolese women. By encouraging women to get tested regularly and providing them with information on prevention and risk factors, this initiative has the potential to save many lives. It is essential that public authorities support and amplify these awareness-raising actions in order to effectively fight against these cancers and improve the health of women in the DRC.