Cervical Cancer in Botswana: Current State and Future Steps for Screening and Treatment Programs
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Botswana has a high burden of cervical cancer due to a limited screening program and high HIV prevalence. About 60% of the cervical cancer patients are HIV positive; most present with advanced cervical disease. Through initiatives by the Botswana Ministry of Health and various strategic partnerships, strides have been made in treatment of pre-invasive and invasive cancer. The See and Treat program for cervical cancer is expanding throughout the country. Starting in 2015, school-going girls will be vaccinated against HPV. In regards to treatment of invasive cancer, a multidisciplinary clinic has been initiated at the main oncology hospital to streamline care. However, challenges remain such as delays in treatment, lack of trained human personnel, limited follow-up care, and little patient education. Despite improvements in the care of pre-invasive and invasive cervical cancer patients, for declines in cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality to be achieved, Botswana needs to continue to invest in decreasing the burden of disease and improving patient outcomes of patients with cervical cancer.
Source: Frontiers in Oncology
Authors: Surbhi Grover, Mmakgomo Raesima, Memory Bvochora-Nsingo, Sebathu P. Chiyapo, Dawn Balang, Neo Tapela, Onyinye Balogun, Mukendi K. A. Kayembe, Anthony H. Russell, Barati Monare, Senate Tanyala, Jailakshmi Bhat, Kealeboga Thipe, Metlha Nchunga, Susan Mayisela, Balladiah Kizito, Ari Ho-Foster, Babe Eunice Gaolebale, Ponatshego A. Gaolebale, Jason A. Efstathiou, Scott Dryden-Peterson, Nicola Zetola, Stephen M. Hahn, Erle S. Robertson, Lilie L. Lin, Chelsea Morroni, Doreen Ramogola-Masire
Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, Ministry of Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, NYU Langone’s Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University, Massachusetts General Hospital, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Botswana, University College London
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Funders: Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Utah, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, University of California, San Francisco, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
OpenAlex ID: W2176663709