Belshaw Limited, a leading producer of detergents, disinfectants and degreasers in Ghana, has organized a cervical cancer screening exercise for its workforce in Tema.
The exercise, which educated participants on the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of Cervical Cancer, the second most frequent cancer in women, was part of the company’s activities to create awareness on the disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the high mortality rate from cervical cancer globally could be reduced through a comprehensive approach including prevention, early diagnosis, effective screening and treatment programmes.
A Midwife and Public Health Nurse, Akua Oduraa Nuamah, entreated the participants to pay more attention to their health and look out for early signs.
“Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection of the Human Papilloma Virus. Actually, it causes 99% of cervical cancers; meaning only 1 % of cervical cancers is caused by other conditions. In a majority of cases, the body is able to overcome and eradicate the infection resulting in healthy cervix. A persistent infection of this virus will after several years cause changes in the cervix and then subsequently a fatal cervical cancer.”
She added that “these changes can be seen on examination of the cervix. There is a long gap of several years between when infection occurs and when early changes on the cervix can be seen. And another long gap between when the early changes are seen and the full-blown disease.”
According to her, sexual intercourse, oral sex, handshake, toilet seats, some medical instruments are some of the common sexual and non-sexual modes of transmission of human papillomavirus ( the causative organism of the disease).
A team of health professionals conducted the screening for all female participants at the event. The participants were excited and thanked management of Belshaw Company for the gesture.
The Production Manager of Belshaw Limited, Mr. Samuel Kwakye noted that “it is very important for men to have such education about Cervical Cancer since they can also be agents of transmission”.
On her part, the Human Resource Manager, Ms. Paulina Kwateng Akosah, underscored that “as a producer of premium detergents, disinfectants and degreasing products, Belshaw Limited believes that the well-being of its workforce is key to the productivity and progress of the company”.
She assured that “this is something the company will continue to do” and entreated corporate bodies to emulate same.
