BD India organizes symposium to raise awareness on cervical cancer screening

Published On: August 28, 2023 02:49 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Aug 28: BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company) has taken a proactive step towards raising awareness about cervical cancer screening, particularly emphasizing the advantages of early screening involving liquid-based cytology and HPV DNA testing.

Recently, BD organized a two-day knowledge-sharing session titled 'Shape the Future of Women's Health' for pathologists, obstetricians, and gynecologists in Biratnagar, Nepal. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, Nepal Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (NESOG Eastern Chapter), and the Association of Clinical Pathologists of Nepal (ACPN).

With the participation of over 70 medical professionals, the program commenced with a pre-workshop on Liquid-based cytology on the first day, followed by a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session focused on highlighting the significance of early detection of cervical cancer. The symposium delved into various aspects, including the importance of accurate screening and identification of cervical cancer, pre-cancerous lesions, atypical cells, and other cytologic categories.

Atul Grover, Managing Director of BD India/South Asia, expressed the company's commitment to advancing health and creating awareness regarding crucial women's health concerns, particularly cervical cancer screening solutions. Grover emphasized that while cervical cancer is preventable, low awareness often leads to delayed diagnoses. The Shape the Future of Cervical Cancer screening event aimed to shed light on the benefits of early screening, garnering support and participation from leading Gynecologists, Obstetricians, and Pathologists in the eastern region of Nepal.

Cervical cancer remains the predominant cancer among women in Nepal, witnessing an annual incidence of 2,244 new cases and 1,493 deaths. The country's cervical cancer incidence stands at 16.4 per 100,000 women, significantly surpassing the World Health Organization's desired target of 4 per 100,000 women. This alarming figure underscores the urgency to address cervical cancer as a public health concern. Nepal currently experiences the loss of almost 11 women per 100,000 to cervical cancer, despite the availability of proven screening strategies that could prevent this outcome.