Women and young girls have been challenged to get tested for breast and cervical cancer.
Father of cancer victim Rex Iniganda from Okapa in the Eastern Highlands Province said a lot of our women don’t want to get tested as they hide behind cultural ideas and taboos.
Iniganda said because of these cultural taboos they fear going to get checked at medical facilities that are available.
“I encourage women and young girls to please take up the courage to get checked and get treated.
“The earlier detection is made, the better. Prevention is better rather than being afraid to get checked up,” he said.
Testing for cervical cancer is available at public and private health services throughout the country.
Women between 18 and 70 years of age should get checked at least once every two years.
Testing services are available at hospitals and clinics in 16 provinces.
They’re East New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville, East Sepik, West New Britain, Madang, West Sepik, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Enga, Simbu, Western Highlands, Oro, Central and Milne Bay.
Port Moresby General Hospital’s family planning clinic, Mt Hagen Hospital’s Well Women’s Clinic and many private health providers provide pap smears.
Some of the private health providers in Moresby that do pap smears are Karua Medical Health, Pacific International Hospital, Paradise Private Hospital, Moresby Medical Service, St Mary Private Hospital and Well Women’s Clinic.