THE results released by the African Centre of Excellence for Women’s Cancer Control in 2009, showed that the incidences of cervical cancer in Zambia are the second in the world and the highest in Africa.

These statics cause alarm but must also serve as a passionate plea for international organisations to tilt their efforts and resources towards Zambia because this is a big war in a different version.

The lobbying must not be left to the First lady Christine Kaseba, alone but must involve everyone at every level if the fight will be won.

Why is Zambia having such high incidences of cervical cancer?

This question will only be laid to rest if scientific research is intensified.

While we appreciate early detection and treatment interventions, more resources must be committed to identifying the specific causative agent, and not the current generalities because the question is why Zambia?

For example if it is the human papillomavirus, why is it so prevalent and such aggressive in Zambia?

However, there is a lot of hope especially if this fight starts from personal responsibility.

The statics show that early detection and treatment of cervical cancer give a possible 100 per cent cure.

With such hope, it should only take the husband to kindly encourage his wife to go for screening.

The child must encourage his or her mother to go for screening.

Women auxiliary groups in churches must discuss these issues openly.

The women of Chingola and surrounding areas must make use of the opening of a new cancer screening clinic at Nchanga North Hospital for early screening.

Cancer is real and ugly!

Do not wait for its manifestation.

WILLIE NYENDWA

Ndola