What is it about?
Cervical cancer remains a significant global public health concern, and its impact in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana is profound. Existing policies in Ghana focus on early screening and diagnosis. While the primary step of diagnosis is important and widely represented in literature, the evidence on the experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer remain sparse. The aim of this scoping review, therefore, was to explore and map the available literature on the experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ghana.
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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The findings reveal that the experiences of Ghanaian women with cervical cancer are multifaceted. These experiences are influenced by physical, psychological, and socio-cultural factors significantly impacting their quality of life. The women expressed ongoing discomfort due to bleeding and chronic pain. Psychologically, the women expressed pervasive anxiety due to the fear associated with the diagnosis and the cost associated with living with cervical cancer.
Perspectives
The findings from this review suggest that women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ghana experience challenges beyond the physical symptoms of the disease. The communal and social characteristics of Ghana play a significant role in the treatment journeys and resilience of women with cervical cancer. There is the need for ongoing research to understand how these experiences influence service utilization. Research into cervical cancer must also extend beyond women to include the role of men. The participation of men in the treatment journeys of women with cervical cancer can improve service utilization and enhance their reintegration into their societies.
Mr Augustine Kumah
Nyaho Medical Centre
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Women's experiences with cervical cancer in Ghana, Journal of Medicine Surgery and Public Health, April 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100076.
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