Background Globally 50,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer,many lose their lives per year, majority of these live in resource limited countries like Uganda,the incidence rate is very high. 80% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in late stages. Few women screen in developing countries compared to developed countries. Cervical cancer is considered an AIDS defining illness. HIV positive women with CD4 less than 200 are at high risk of getting cervical cancer.

Program description

It’s under this back ground that Mild May funded by CDC trained health workers to screen for cervical cancer using the affordability method of visual inspection with acetic acid, treat and manage positive lesions using CRYOTHERAPY. Logistics were delivered and work started on 22rd August2012 after community mobilisation and referrals. By December 2012 a total of 214 clients where screened of which 47.7% were HIV positive and 52% were HIV negative. 19.2% of clients screened for Cancer of the cervix had positive lesions of which 53.7% were HIV positive and 46.3% were HIV negative; 79.9% had negative results of which 48.5% were HIV positive and 52.6% were HIV negative; 0.9% had suspicious lesions.

Lessons learnt

It is important to integrate cervical cancer screening within HIV/AIDS Care setting alongside family planning. It is an entry point for diagnosis and treatment of STI. More gynaecological conditions have been identified, managed and some referred to gynaecologist for specialised management.

It strengthens partnership with stake holders through support and supervision, collaboration and networking.

Stigma to women who are HIV negative or whose serological status is unknown shun away from screening in an HIV/AIDS Care setting.

Conclusion The best way to prevent cervical cancer is by early screening and treatment of precancerous lesions; early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer thus reducing mortality rate among women.