The Medical Women’s Association of Ghana has organized a free cervical cancer screening exercise for women in the Bodi District of the Western North Region.
The exercise took place at the Sefwi Bodi Health Directorate on 10th February 2026. It aimed to raise awareness about cervical cancer and encourage women to know their health status.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Mary Amoah, who is in charge of hospital facilities in Western North Regional and a member of the Medical Women’s Association of Ghana, explained that cervical cancer is not a condition affecting only women.
She stated that anyone who has had sexual intercourse could be at risk of contracting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to several cancers, including penile cancer in men, as well as cancers of the head, neck, tongue, nose, and anus.
Dr. Amoah emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups to know one’s HPV status. “When detected early, HPV infection can be treated. However, if individuals delay and the disease progresses, it becomes difficult to manage,” she said.
She added that many patients report to hospitals at advanced stages of the disease, making treatment challenging. She, therefore, encouraged both men and women to undertake regular screening.
Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, Western North Regional Director of Health Services, disclosed that the region has recorded several suspected cases of cervical cancer, many of which had to be referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital due to a lack of diagnostic equipment in the region.
According to her, data from the health directorate shows that in 2023 there were 46 suspected cases, while by June 2025, about 30 new suspected cases had been recorded, indicating an upward trend.
She urged all women, especially those with daughters between the ages of 9 and 14, to visit any Ghana Health Service facility to receive the HPV vaccination for protection against the virus.
The Bodi District Health Director, Dr. Paul Noah Quam, noted that through continuous education, the public is now beginning to understand that cervical cancer is not spiritual, as was previously believed. “Our sensitization efforts have helped demystify such misconceptions and encouraged people to seek medical help,” he said.
Beneficiaries of the exercise expressed their appreciation to the Medical Women’s Association of Ghana for organizing the screening. They noted that the program has given them confidence to undertake regular health checks and to encourage their families to do the same.
