Nurses at the Heart of the Fight Against Cervical Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa

Cervical cancer hits sub-Saharan Africa harder than any other region in the world. Every year, tens of thousands of women die from this disease, often detected at an advanced stage. Yet, this cancer is largely preventable through simple means such as vaccination against the human papillomavirus, which is responsible for most cases. This widespread virus can cause precancerous lesions that, if untreated, develop into cancer.

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa have some of the highest incidence and mortality rates in the world. In some, such as Malawi or Zimbabwe, the number of new cases far exceeds the global average. Women living with HIV are particularly affected, as their weakened immune systems facilitate the development of the disease. Other factors worsen the situation: frequent pregnancies, limited access to healthcare, high-risk behaviors such as smoking, or unprotected sexual intercourse.

Nurses play a key role in prevention and early detection. They educate communities about the risks, encourage vaccination, and perform screenings. These exams, such as visual inspection after applying acetic acid or HPV DNA tests, help identify lesions before they become cancerous. However, these methods remain underused due to a lack of resources or awareness.

The obstacles are numerous: lack of infrastructure, shortage of healthcare staff, misconceptions, and high costs. In rural areas, the distance to health centers and local traditions often delay diagnosis. As a result, many women only seek medical attention when the disease is already at an advanced stage, reducing their chances of survival.

To reverse this trend, the role of nurses must be strengthened. Their proximity to communities allows them to break down cultural barriers and improve access to care. They can organize vaccination campaigns in schools, train women in self-sampling for tests, and support patients throughout their care journey. Their involvement in public health policies is equally essential to tailor strategies to local realities.

Care does not end with screening. Nurses also play a role in treatment and palliative care, relieving pain and supporting patients and their families. Their continuous training and integration into medical teams are therefore essential to reduce the impact of this cancer. Without them, progress will remain limited.

Bibliographie

Source de l’étude

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-02325-y

Titre : Strengthening nursing roles in early detection and prevention of cervical cancer in sub Saharan Africa

Revue : Discover Public Health

Éditeur : Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Auteurs : Chidubem Favour Nkemchor; Tamaraubrakemi Victory Eyitemi