16 cervical cancer cases found in a single ward

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Apr.29: A total of 16 suspected cases of cervical cancer have been identified in a single ward of Khajura Rural Municipality in Banke district.

According to the Health Branch of Khajura Rural Municipality, a free health camp on women’s sexual and reproductive health held at Sitapur Health Post, Khajura-2, screened 203 women, among whom 16 were found with signs of cervical cancer.

Of the 203 women who attended the camp for health screening, 139 underwent cervical cancer testing. Sixteen tested positive through the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method, indicating suspicion of cervical cancer, while five women were found to have uterine prolapse, informed Health Branch Chief, Laxmi KC.

Senior gynecologists Dr. Urmila Parajuli from Bheri Hospital, senior gynaecologist and infertility specialist Dr. Manju BC Shah from HCRC Hospital, and consultant physician Dr. Shankar KC from Nepalgunj Medical College conducted the examinations.

The camp was organised in coordination with the Rural Municipality under the 'Occupational and Environmental Health Support Project' implemented by B-Group with the partnership of AFD and MDM France, stated Project Coordinator Samad Siddiqui.

Siddiqui said that 71 women attending the camp were diagnosed with various uterine infections, including cervicitis, vaginitis, and vulvitis. Individuals suspected of cervical cancer, uterine prolapse and other infections were referred to Bheri Hospital for further examination and treatment, said Dr. Uma Parajuli.

Dr. Parajuli noted that the majority of women attending the camp exhibited gynecological issues and emphasised the urgent need to raise awareness regarding women's reproductive health.

Vice-Chairperson of Khajura Rural Municipality, Manju Mall, highlighted that such camps have greatly benefitted patients in rural areas and requested the organisers to extend the programme to other wards as well.

Dhanram Oli, Chairperson of Ward No.2, Public Health Inspectors Naresh Shrestha, Bishnu Shrestha, and Shamsuddin from the Banke Health Office, Programme Manager of MDM France Tarka Bahadur Thapa, and B-Group President Dr. Indra Bahadur Bhandari were also present at the event.