Helping Women Through Cervical Cancer Screening
Many women had never received a cervical cancer screening prior to a free screening event sponsored by Project HOPE in 2012.
A success story from the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program in China
“Thank you very much Project HOPE,” said XuChinxian, 53, a logistics worker in the laboratory of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital affiliated with Fudan University in Shanghai.“If my symptoms were not detected early, I would be at risk. Now, when I meet other women, I will encourage them to be screened for cervical cancer.”
Mrs. Xu, like many of the other migrant worker women who attended Project HOPE’s free screening event, had never received a cervical cancer screening prior to in 2012. Her report showed that she was at risk for developing cervical cancer. Program staff called her immediately and suggested that she follow up with a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and receive treatment. Upon receiving confirmation by a doctor that she had precancerous symptoms, she was treated for the illness and has since recovered.
From the questionnaire filled out by Mrs. Xu, we know that she has a high school education, and she had heard about cervical cancer. However, she never realized that she might have the disease. After this positive experience, she is fully aware of the importance of paying attention to her own health, and she will have regular physical examinations.
The free screening that Mrs. Xu attended is one part of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program in China. Project HOPE Shanghai has conducted two free screening activities at which 369 women were screened, and 13 of those women were found to be at risk for developing cervical cancer. The three year program – supported by BD China – provides health professional training and public health education about cervical cancer prevention, screening and diagnosis.