Women urged to go for cancer test

MOST women between ages of 20 and 40 were already infected with stages leading to cervical cancer, and are urged to go for regular check-ups.
Well Women’s clinic nurse Sister Sandra Darius said women between the ages of 20 and 40 were already infected.
“Although they can look well outside, they already infected inside,” she said
“So women are urged to come for pap-smear test.
“It’s a tool that we use to identify cancer, allowing us to start treatment and saving lives.
“It’s a sexually transmitted infection so both partners were treated.
“After check, they’ll have to come with their partner to get results and undergo counselling.
“They must go for check-up every year depending on their results.
“If they have abnormal cells that can cause cancer, check is conducted three months after completion of treatment.
“If it’s normal then they’ll come after a year.”
Darius has been working at the clinic since 1999.
She said during the 24 years, only five women were referred to cancer clinic, got treatment and were cured.
“I would like to encourage women to come for pap-smear test. Don’t be afraid, it’s a free service,” she said.
The clinic is located within Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae, Morobe.
“We got our support from PNG Cancer Relief Society and Angau. It’s a cancer screening clinic for breast, mouth and cervix, along with medical check-ups,” Darius said.