24 Feb 2019

Scottish Livingstone Hospital held a week long cervical cancer and breast examination campaign in Molepolole last week.

The campaign was aimed at intensifying and strengthening cervical cancer screening and prevention.

Principal Registered Nurse and focal person for the cervical cancer screening and breast examination Ms Mokgabo Ramarumo told BOPA in an interview, that they managed to screen a total of 186 women, 136 were screened through Visual Inspection of the cervix with Acetic acid (VIA) method while 50 were screened with pap smear.

Out of that 186 screened clients, 23 patients tested positive for pre cancer and 11 were treated with chryotherapy while 12 were referred to Loop Electro-surgical Excession Procedure (LEEP) clinic.

The campaign also treated 31 clients who were booked for LEEP from different facilities in  the Kweneng District.

This was done in conjunction with one objective, which was to clear a backlog of booked clients for LEEP.

The main screening method was through VIA, which gives instant results after screening as well as perform treatment (Cryotherapy) to all eligible clients in a single visit approach.

During screening, clients were sensitised about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as the cause of cervical cancer and more ways of preventing the spread of HPV such as delaying sex for the first time until one is older and ready (20 years), sticking to one partner, encouraging male partners to go for safe male circumcision, correct and consistent use of the condom and getting the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is administered to a girl from the age of 9 and it is part of the primary school health programme.

Ms Ramarumo reiterated that the re-screening interval for previous negative results for cervical cancer is two years if the client is HIV positive and five years if HIV negative.

Another principal registered nurse Ms Olga Mokgatle said a total of 190 women had their  breasts examined.

She explained that breast examination was done to check for any breast abnormalities such as lumps, cyst, inflammation and others.

Ms Mokgatle also said clients who had any abnormalities detected in their breasts were referred accordingly.

Ms Mokgatle advised that they screening was still continuing through VIA at Scottish Livingstone and Phuthadikobo Clinic.

She emphasised that other health facilities were still screening through pap smear,  therefore encouraged clients to undertake screening.

However, there were plans to have similar campaigns in future to reach more clients as cervical cancer was preventable.

The nurses thanked their dedicated team, the management of Scottish Livingstone Hospital and all stakeholders for their support in making the campaign a success to save the lives of their patiets. Ends