Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae city is at the forefront of cervical cancer treatment in Papua New Guinea, but challenges remain in meeting the demand for services.
The hospital, which houses the National Cancer Centre, is currently struggling with a growing number of patients from Morobe and neighboring provinces.
“We lack the resources and manpower to handle the increasing number of cervical cancer cases,” said Dr. Timothy Kink, a cancer specialist in Morobe Province.
Efforts are being made to provide early diagnosis and treatment, but the limited availability of chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and specialist staff are key barriers. Stakeholders are urging the government to allocate more funds to strengthen Angau’s capacity.
Dr. Kink has called on the government and non-governmental organizations to step up their efforts in combating cervical cancer.
“Mobile clinics should be deployed to remote areas where access to health services is a challenge,” Dr. Kink suggested.
He emphasized that early detection could save countless lives, but without adequate funding and resources, this remains difficult.
Dr. Kink also highlighted the role of NGOs in running awareness campaigns and providing affordable healthcare for women in underserved areas. He urged policymakers to make cervical cancer prevention a priority in the national health agenda.
Cultural stigma and misinformation remain significant obstacles to cervical cancer prevention in Morobe Province.
Dr. Kink revealed that many women in Morobe are reluctant to undergo Pap smear tests due to fear and societal taboos surrounding reproductive health.
“In some communities, discussing such issues is seen as shameful, preventing women from accessing life-saving services,” Dr. Kink said.
Health experts are advocating for culturally sensitive awareness campaigns to break these barriers. Engaging village leaders and churches is seen as a potential way to change attitudes and encourage early screening.
Dr. Timothy Kink has emphasized the critical role men can play in preventing cervical cancer by supporting their families and promoting healthy lifestyles.
“Men should encourage their partners, daughters, and relatives to seek regular screenings. They also need to practice healthy behaviors, as sexually transmitted infections are a major risk factor for cervical cancer,” Dr. Kink said.
Dr. Kink also highlighted that engaging men in awareness campaigns could help remove the stigma surrounding cervical cancer and create a supportive environment for women to access healthcare.
The message is clear: cervical cancer prevention is not just a women’s issue but a community effort that requires the involvement of men and women alike.