City conducts VIAC tests for cervical cancer patients
Denise Gondo and Mahlatsi Moyo ~
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City of Harare, Health Services is conducting Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Camera (VIAC) at its Clinics which is an effective way of preventing cervical cancer in women aged between 30-50 years old.
City of Harare, Health Services is conducting Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Camera (VIAC) at its Clinics which is an effective way of preventing cervical cancer in women aged between 30-50 years old.
VIAC involves examining the opening of the womb, or the cervix, for changes that might lead to cancer. If the changes are detected early, the cells can be eliminated before they become cancerous.
In an interview Harare City Reproductive Health Manager Dr Colleen Madembo said the cells are usually removed using a method called cryotherapy or another method called LEEP.
“To date we have 17 VIAC clinics and every year we screen thousands of women. The disease which is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the leading cancer killer of women in Zimbabwe and other sub-Saharan African countries,” he said.
“In our 17 clinics, nurses screen the patients and those who test positive will be referred to Wilkins and Edith Opperman Hospitals. After screening some patients are treated with cryotherapy and LEEP with is also done at Wilkins and Edith Opperman”.
Dr Madembo said VIAC treatment has being ongoing since 2012.
He said VIAC is a cheaper method compared to others and the City was working with US Aid, Ministry of Health and UNPF to ensure women are tested and treated for cervical cancer around Harare.
