Title |
Cervical Cancer in Botswana: Current State and Future Steps for Screening and Treatment Programs
|
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Published in |
Frontiers in oncology, November 2015
|
DOI | 10.3389/fonc.2015.00239 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Surbhi Grover, Mmakgomo Raesima, Memory Bvochora-Nsingo, Sebathu P. Chiyapo, Dawn Balang, Neo Tapela, Onyinye Balogun, Mukendi K. A. Kayembe, Anthony H. Russell, Barati Monare, Senate Tanyala, Jailakshmi Bhat, Kealeboga Thipe, Metlha Nchunga, Susan Mayisela, Balladiah Kizito, Ari Ho-Foster, Babe Eunice Gaolebale, Ponatshego A. Gaolebale, Jason A. Efstathiou, Scott Dryden-Peterson, Nicola Zetola, Stephen M. Hahn, Erle S. Robertson, Lilie L. Lin, Chelsea Morroni, Doreen Ramogola-Masire |
Abstract |
Botswana has a high burden of cervical cancer due to a limited screening program and high HIV prevalence. About 60% of the cervical cancer patients are HIV positive; most present with advanced cervical disease. Through initiatives by the Botswana Ministry of Health and various strategic partnerships, strides have been made in treatment of pre-invasive and invasive cancer. The See and Treat program for cervical cancer is expanding throughout the country. Starting in 2015, school-going girls will be vaccinated against HPV. In regards to treatment of invasive cancer, a multidisciplinary clinic has been initiated at the main oncology hospital to streamline care. However, challenges remain such as delays in treatment, lack of trained human personnel, limited follow-up care, and little patient education. Despite improvements in the care of pre-invasive and invasive cervical cancer patients, for declines in cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality to be achieved, Botswana needs to continue to invest in decreasing the burden of disease and improving patient outcomes of patients with cervical cancer. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 1 | 33% |
Unknown | 2 | 67% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 2 | 67% |
Scientists | 1 | 33% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 106 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 18 | 17% |
Student > Bachelor | 14 | 13% |
Researcher | 12 | 11% |
Other | 10 | 9% |
Student > Postgraduate | 9 | 8% |
Other | 19 | 18% |
Unknown | 24 | 23% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 39 | 37% |
Social Sciences | 9 | 8% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 8 | 8% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 5 | 5% |
Computer Science | 2 | 2% |
Other | 10 | 9% |
Unknown | 33 | 31% |