05-02-2018

Cervical cancer is most common in women between 30 and 49 years of age. 

The CEO of the Stichting Lobi foundation states, that it is one of the few cancers that can be prevented, which means that no woman in Suriname has to die of cervical cancer. A situation analysis shows that 80 percent of Surinamese women consult the oncologist.

Kenneth Slijngaard, assistant head of medical services, explains that cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in both the cervix and the lower neck- like portion of the uterus. More often people think that cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs throughout the uterus, but it also happens in the uterus mouth. 

Cervical cancer not hereditary
This form of cancer is not hereditary, it is caused by a virus that is often transmitted through sexual intercourse and occurs in women who are sexually active. "Cervical cancer has does not discriminate between race, ethnicity, rich or poor, Slijngaard emphasizes that, “it can occur in all women who are sexually active," The assistant head of medical services, says that the services and examinations at the foundation are not free of charge. The foundation is a private organization, that doesn’t receive financial aid from government. To clients who have health insurance, the various services can be provided free of charge because it is covered through their insurance. 

The importance of a smear
During a pap smear, some cells are removed from the cervix with a special brush. The doctor examines these cells under the microscope. The smear can show if there are any signs of cervical cancer.

The Lobi Foundation has also conducted a scientific study to identify the barriers that keep women from screening for cervical cancer. The research shows that fear plays a major role. Fear of the procedure, fear that it will be painful, fear of the result or fear of being stigmatized, keeps women from screening.

Bandhoe advises all Surinamese women to do a smear regularly, because cervical cancer is a type of cancer that can be prevented if detected on time. If do the examination when you are that at the moment you are confronted with pain, in most cases it will be far too late.

http://www.gov.sr/ministerie-van-volksgezondheid/actueel/voorkomen-is-beter-dan-genezen.aspx