The Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital (CHU) has initiated a three-day free cancer screening campaign for cervical and breast cancer. The campaign, which started on March 12, 2020, aims to screen, treat, and cure women with precancerous lesions. Women aged 25 to 65, who are sexually active, are eligible for the free screening. The campaign is being conducted by specialists, and if the disease is detected, treatment will be provided at a reduced cost.
According to Dr. Yvette Kene, a gynecologist-obstetrician at the CHU, about 300 women had undergone the test by the second day of the campaign. She revealed that 10 suspected cases had been detected, and further examinations would be conducted to confirm the results. The hospital will provide treatment at a preferential rate for those diagnosed with the disease.
Cervical and breast cancers are the most common female cancers in Cameroon. However, women often report to hospitals at the terminal stage of the disease, after seeking treatment from traditional healers, charlatans, and local health centers. At this stage, treatment options are limited, and surgery may be the only available option.
The CHU's initiative aims to encourage women to undergo early screening, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. The hospital's management has expressed its commitment to providing quality healthcare services to women and reducing the mortality rate associated with cervical and breast cancers.
The campaign has received a positive response from women in the community, with many expressing their gratitude for the free screening services. The hospital's staff has been working tirelessly to ensure that all women who attend the screening are provided with quality care and support.
The CHU's free cancer screening campaign is a significant step towards addressing the high incidence of cervical and breast cancers in Cameroon. The hospital's efforts to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to women are expected to have a positive impact on the country's healthcare system.
The campaign's success will be evaluated based on the number of women screened, the number of cases detected, and the treatment outcomes. The CHU's initiative is expected to serve as a model for other healthcare institutions in Cameroon, and efforts to promote early screening and treatment of cervical and breast cancers are likely to continue.
Key points
- The Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital has launched a three-day free cancer screening campaign for cervical and breast cancer, targeting women aged 25 to 65.
- 10 suspected cases of cervical and breast cancer have been detected during the first two days of the screening campaign.
- The hospital aims to provide treatment at a reduced cost for women diagnosed with cervical and breast cancer.
