Karen Nakawala shares her cervical cancer journey and advocates for early screening

She described the diagnosis as a "cold moment" that left her numb, especially since she felt no symptoms and believed she was healthy. Nakawala, who initially kept her diagnosis a secret due to fear of stigma, completed her treatment in September of the same year and now undergoes annual screenings. She emphasizes the importance of early detection through screening, noting that her diagnosis was caught in its early stages.

Nakawala now advocates for cervical cancer awareness, urging women to get screened and young girls to be vaccinated against HPV. Studies indicate cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Namibia, with over 450 diagnoses annually, and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in Zambia, with over 4,000 diagnoses and 60% deaths yearly. Globally, it is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.

Rolf Hansen, chief executive of the Cancer Association of Namibia, highlights human papillomavirus HPV infection as a major cause, spread through skin-to-skin contact or sexual activities. He also notes that factors like HIV, smoking, a weakened immune system, and lack of screening increase the risk. Hansen encourages parents and guardians to ensure girls aged nine to 14 receive the HPV vaccine to prevent infection and reduce cervical cancer ris