The Ministry of Health in Luangwa District is encouraging women and girls to regularly visit health facilities for cervical cancer screening.

Luangwa District Health Services Director Ikasaya Ikasaya, says cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women, and early detection would help treat and cure the disease to avoid any mortalities.

ZANIS reports that Dr Ikasaya was speaking during a Cervical Cancer Sensitisation Meeting in Luangwa District.

He said the challenge the health sector is facing is women coming late to the health facilities when cancer has already advanced.

“If the pre-cancerous cells are detected early in a patient, it is easier to treat and cure it using medical methods such as thermos abrasion or surgical procedures,” he explained.

Dr Ikasaya stated that when treated in the precancerous stage, cervical cancer is curable but noted that if it enters into full-blown cancer, there is no cure but suppression of cancer cells through chemotherapy.

He further assured that the district has adequately trained health staff in cervical cancer screening, urging sexually active women and girls aged 15 and above not to wait for any symptoms but to visit the health facilities.

Dr Ikasaya also advised the people on cancer treatment to continue following guidelines provided by health practitioners and to take their medication.