Open AccessDelivering Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment to Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Author(s) -
A. Kaneza,
D. Uwimana,
R. Mbonyindavyi
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of global oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.002
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 2378-9506
DOI - 10.1200/jgo.18.91600
Subject(s) - cryotherapy , medicine , cervical cancer , cancer , referral , cervix , reproductive health , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , intensive care medicine , gynecology , population , family medicine , surgery , environmental health
Background: More than 80% of cervical cancer cases happens in the developing world. The same trend is seen in Burundi, where cervical cancer is the first gynecological cancer and the leading cause of female cancer deaths. In addition to this, Burundi presents high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence rate. It is believed that there were 2200 new diagnosed clients in 2016. In spite of this, not all people can have access to desired services due to financial and geographical barriers. To increase access to cervical cancer information and screenings in resource-limited settings, Association Burundaise pour le Bien Etre Familiale (ABUBEF) introduces visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and Lugol’s Iodine (VILI) plus cryotherapy to vulnerable populations, especially women living with HIV. Aim: To provide VIA/VILI and cryotherapy to women living with HIV in resource-limited settings. Methods: ABUBEF also conducted a training to ensure health providers can independently carry out VIA/VILI and cryotherapy. ABUBEF organized a campaign to raise people's awareness and deliver services to vulnerable populations. Results: Seventeen doctors were trained to perform VIA/VILI. They can also confidently make diagnosis and provide relevant treatment, such as cryotherapy or referral. 337 women were screened during the campaign and 4 of them received positive VIA/VILI results (1.1%). For women living with HIV, the VIA/VILI positivity rates was 4% and 2 of them presented suspicious cervical cancer lesions. All clients received essential treatments. This can be cryotherapy or be referred to specialists for further evaluation and cancer treatment. Conclusion: According to ABUBEF’s operational experience, VIA/VILI and cryotherapy is feasible in resource-limited settings. It is also noticed that women living with HIV has higher VIA/VILI-positive rate and even cancer lesions.