Guardian examines cervical cancer in Africa

Jun 21 2011

The Guardian examines how Africa is handling cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women on the continent.

"In many parts of Africa, there is a 'stigmatisation that cancer is not a word but rather a death sentence,' says David Kerr, president of the European Society of Medical Oncology. The continent needs a strategy, he says, for vaccination, screening, treatment and awareness, all of which will need time to take effect. 'If we started vaccinating all girls in Africa today [against human papillomavirus], we would have an impact in 20 to 25 years'" (Miranda, 6/20).