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WINGS
Reproductive Healthcare for Every Guatemalan |
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In many countries, the incidence of cervical cancer is kept low by regular screening. In Guatemala, which lacks an effective countrywide screening program, cervical cancer is responsible for 60% of female cancer cases attended by the INCAP Cancer Institute in Guatemala City.
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WINGS has been providing cervical cancer detection and treatment services since 2001. Through this program, we bring these vital services to underserved areas to help prevent life-threatening illness. During screening clinics, WINGS’ staff also provide education and counseling regarding family planning, so that women have a private place to discuss their options and how to access services. Beginning with 840 Pap smears in 2001, the program has grown five fold and now provides up to 4,000 screening tests annually, as well as needed follow-up treatment. For many, WINGS’ cervical cancer detection services are a new experience. At one WINGS clinic, 87-year-old Maria had her first pap smear. A mother of 12, she encouraged her daughters and daughters-in-law to attend as well. In her own words, Maria “wanted to be a good example”. Other women go to great lengths to reach our cervical cancer detection clinics, often walking long distances. WINGS’ cervical cancer detection and treatment project literally saves lives. Without this vital service, many of those women needing follow-up treatment would have gone on to develop cervical cancer. Why is the Cervical Cancer Detection and Treatment Program Necessary? Worldwide cervical cancer kills approximately 200,000 women each year, with 470,000 new cases identified. Of these new cases, 80% occur in developing countries where the lack of effective screening programs, aimed at detecting pre-cancerous conditions, are limited. Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest rates, making cervical cancer a serious risk for women in Guatemala:
Cervical cancer is detectable and when found early, treatable, yet estimates show that only about 5% of women in developing countries have been screened for cervical dysplasia in the past five years, compared 40-50% of women in developed countries (National Cervical Cancer Coalition, NCCC). Where quality-screening programs exist and coverage has been high, cervical cancer incidence and mortality has been reduced by as much as 90% (NCCC). Guatemala, like most developing countries, lacks a successful countrywide screening program. What does WINGS’ Cervical Cancer Detection and Treatment Program do? Through its Cervical Cancer Detection and Treatment program, WINGS ensures that Guatemalan women, mostly Mayan, living in hard-to-reach and often forgotten rural areas receive vital information, cervical cancer screening services, and follow-up treatment when problems are detected. To guarantee maximum participation and community buy-in, our Coordinators prepare the communities ahead of time through education and cervical cancer screening promotion in conjunction with local partner organizations. In May 2006 WINGS started to use an alternative method of detection and treatment, VIA/Cryo or “see and treat”. This involves the Visual Inspection of the cervix using acetic Acid (VIA) and the provision of Cryotherapy (Cryo) treatment all in one visit (VIA/Cryo). VIA/Cryo is a very effective, low-cost technique, which detects abnormal changes of the cervix and can be performed by a trained healthcare provider (it does not need to be a physician, only sufficient training is needed). It also presents fewer logistical and technical constraints than the Pap smear. This advance ensures that women reap the benefits of early detection by receiving needed treatment in a timely manner, thus curing pre-cancerous lesions or preventing cancer from developing. (For more information see News Story on Home page) Communication is difficult with women in communities where most people live in scattered, isolated homes, but our staff is adept at maintaining contact and ensuring that those who need follow-up care get it. WINGS, or partner organizations, pay for any needed medications and, if a woman requires a hysterectomy, WINGS arranges this for free with visiting foreign surgical teams. During screening clinics, WINGS staff provide information and counseling to women regarding family planning. Often women in group settings feel inhibited asking questions or showing interest in family planning, so WINGS provides a private, safe, and comfortable space for women to discuss concerns and ask questions. Should a women desire access to a family planning method, WINGS staff members provide referrals to family planning providers and will subsidize the cost of methods for those women unable to afford services.
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TESTIMONIAL:
Maria (42) has four children and came to a recent WINGS-sponsored Pap smear clinic. She was extremely nervous as it had been eight years since her last test.
Unfortunately, when the nurse started the Pap smear, Maria began to bleed profusely from the cervix and had to be rushed to the hospital. She had an ultrasound, which sadly showed that she had a tumor; it was this that had caused her to hemorrhage so badly. The doctors recommended that she have a hysterectomy and WINGS is now coordinating with a local charitable clinic to provide a low cost operation.
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