Letter to the Editor

Authors

Keywords:

cervical cancer, low- and middle income countries, mortality

Abstract

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including South Africa, continue to bear the brunt of new cases and the highest mortality from cervical cancer. High-income countries (HICs) and some middle-income countries (MICs) are currently looking at self-sampling HPV DNA testing as a strategy to further improve cervical cancer screening and elimination. While this step is important for eliminating cervical cancer, we still need to acknowledge that there are significant gaps in our healthcare system which need to be identified and rectified to reduce cervical cancer and its socio-economic impact in LMIC. Our study highlights that women living with HIV, who frequently visit healthcare facilities for their treatment, are not screened for cervical cancers in accordance with national and international recommendations. Our findings are aimed at accumulating data on this negative healthcare system-related factor.

Author Biography

  • SK Sithole, University of KwaZulu-Natal

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Greys Hospital, South Africa

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Published

2023-04-14

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Letters to the Editor

License

South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (SAJGO) Copyright is held by South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Copyright of the articles is held by the authors. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC). Material submitted for publication in the SAJGO is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The SAJGO does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do no purport to reflect the opinions or views of SASGO or its members.