Spreading the Word About Prevention

At the Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme in Zambia, one of the challenges we face is convincing women to get screened when they aren’t visibly sick. In the past, preventative services haven’t been common in Zambia. As a result, many see the clinic as a place for severely ill people only, not supposedly healthy people. Juliet, […]

A Cancer Diagnosis is NOT a Death Sentence

I’m here to tell you that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.  I’ll tell you again and again until you believe me. Cancer can be treated and cured, especially when diagnosed early. Even here in Zambia. Especially here in Zambia. Too often, women tell me they don’t want to go for cervical cancer […]

Gynecologic Cancer and the Importance of Bearing Children in Africa

In Zambia, the ability to bear children is particularly important to women.  In the Bemba language, the phrase “imiti ikula empanga” (meaning “the shrubs that grow now will become the forest”) emphasizes the importance of children to society. Surgical treatment for gynecologic cancer may involve removal of part or all of the uterus, preventing a […]

Catherine’s Story

Meet Catherine, one of the most amazing women I know, and her six-year-old daughter. Catherine recently agreed to tell her story to her community, to encourage other women to come for cervical cancer screening. I and my co-fellow had the honor and privilege of being there when she told her story.  Here’s what she said: […]