Low Screening Rates Driving High Cervical Cancer Deaths in Ghana – Midwifery Officer

A Midwifery Officer at the Manhyia District Hospital, Ms Ruth Boatemaa, has attributed the high number of cervical cancer deaths in Ghana to late detection and poor screening practices among women.

Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, she revealed that more than 3,000 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in the country, with over 1,800 deaths recorded each year.

“About 94% of these deaths are recorded at the late stage, usually when the cancer is already in the third or fourth stage. At that point, treatment becomes very difficult,” she said.

Ms. Boatemaa described the low patronage of cervical cancer screening as alarming, noting that only about 3% of women in Ghana go for regular screening.

“This is very worrying because it means that about 97% do not get screened,” she stated.

She explained that cervical cancer develops gradually and often begins without noticeable symptoms, making early screening crucial for detection and treatment.

“It starts from the cervix, so if a woman does not go for screening, she may not detect it early. Many only realise it when it has progressed to the last stage, which explains the high death rate,” she explained.

The midwifery officer clarified that contracting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) does not automatically lead to cervical cancer but increases the risk when combined with other factors.

She stated some of the causes of cervical cancer

“One major factor is having multiple sexual partners, Both males and females can carry and transmit,” she noted.

She added that individuals who frequently contract sexually transmitted infections are at higher risk, while age also plays a significant role.

“As people grow older, the immune system weakens, so women aged 40 years and above are at a higher risk,” Ms. Boatemaa said.

She further identified multi-parity giving birth to many children as another risk factor, explaining that repeated childbirth can cause injuries around the cervix, and if you have HOV already, you stand a higher chance of getting the cancer

Although cervical cancer is not hereditary, she explained that people from families with a history of cancer may be more vulnerable to it.

Ms. Boatemaa also cautioned against smoking and unhealthy dietary habits, stressing the importance of proper nutrition in reducing cancer risk.

“People should avoid excessive intake of oily foods, eat more vegetables, and ensure adequate intake of folic acid,” she advised.

She emphasized that early screening and lifestyle changes remain key to reducing cervical cancer-related deaths in Ghana.