World Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is a global health event observed for the entire month of January every year.

It aims to raise awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of regular screening.

Clinical and radiation oncologist Dr. Laina Iiyambo raised concerns regarding the alarming surge of cervical cancer cases in the northern regions.

Emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive education initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the disease.

As per the World Health Organisation, the global incidence of cervical cancer in 2020 was estimated at about 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths, making it the fourth most prominent cancer in women.

The theme for this year, "Learn, Prevent, and Screen," emphasises the necessity of educating women about minimising cervical cancer risks and the life-saving importance of regular screening.

Dr. Iiyambo said that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but despite that, incidents are still high in the country.

"We need to be giving out enough information, we need to be making sure that we are giving information to the right audience. We know that geographically in Namibia, most of the cases we see are from the northern regions, and these are the regions that we need to reach out to. We need to make sure that they have workers in these regions that are equipped when it comes to knowledge and infrastructure, and whatever it is they need to do those screenings and whatever it is they need to give out the right information, we need to use all the communication channels that we can use to make sure information is reaching people in the language that they understand."

In emphasising the crucial early steps when suspecting cancer, she highlighted diverse diagnostic approaches. 

Recognising signs and symptoms is pivotal, even though early stages might not always exhibit clear indicators beyond typical discomforts like lower back pains or unusual genital discharge.

She thus urged women to seek immediate examination upon sensing these signs at the nearest health facility.

Dr. Iiyambo further said that although over 300 annual cases are reported in Namibia, the Ministry of Health relentlessly strives to treat every case, regardless of its severity.