As the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, a powerful movement is shedding light on a silent battle that many women face—cervical cancer.
While this disease is preventable, a lack of awareness, early screening, and proper healthcare access continue to put countless lives at risk.
To mark this special day, 4 Communities by Communities (4CbyC) is sharing real-life stories of courage and survival, reminding women everywhere that early detection can save lives.
Ene’s Journey: From Fear to Hope
For Ene, cervical cancer wasn’t just a health crisis—it was a devastating reality that tore her family apart.
She grew up in Awo-Kajola, where evenings were once filled with laughter and storytelling. But everything changed after the sudden loss of her Aunt Evelyn.
Soon after, her mother’s health also began to fail, leaving Ene in fear that history was repeating itself.
The pain of uncertainty haunted her. “Is my family cursed?” she often wondered. But a visit to a One-Stop Shop for Health changed everything.
There, she met Funke, a kind-hearted clinician who reassured her that it wasn’t a curse, but cervical cancer—a disease that could have been prevented with early screening.
Tests confirmed her worst fears: her mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer. But there was still hope. Funke helped arrange treatment and made sure Ene and her younger sister, Blessing, received the HPV vaccine, protecting them from facing the same fate.
Jennifer’s Story: The Price of Late Diagnosis
Unlike Ene, Jennifer’s fight with cervical cancer ended in heartbreak—but her story serves as a wake-up call for women everywhere.
Her battle began in 2013, when she noticed unusual symptoms like itching, open sores, and abnormal bleeding. She went from one hospital to another, yet doctors misdiagnosed her for years.
By 2016, a Pap smear test wrongly cleared her of cancer, giving her false hope. But as her symptoms worsened, another test finally revealed the truth—the cancer had spread.
With little money for treatment, Jennifer faced another roadblock: the hospital’s only radiotherapy machine was broken.
Desperate for a cure, she turned to herbal medicine, but it only made things worse.
By the time the SaliHoe Foundation stepped in to help, Jennifer’s cancer had reached Stage IV. Despite receiving palliative care, the damage was too severe, and she passed away in 2020.
Her tragic story highlights the deadly consequences of delayed diagnosis, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible screenings and better-trained healthcare professionals.
The Fight Against Cervical Cancer: Free Screenings & Vaccination Campaigns
Jennifer’s heartbreaking experience is why organizations like the SaliHoe Foundation are stepping up.
They now offer free cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations, ensuring that no woman has to suffer the same fate.
Campaigns like “Know Her, Save Her” are also using social media to educate women about cervical cancer prevention.
Through Instagram Q&A sessions, survivor stories, and self-examination guides, more women are learning how to take control of their health.
According to FemmeHealth Director Oludimu Kemi Success, digital awareness campaigns are breaking barriers, making it easier for women to access Pap smears, mammograms, and expert advice.
Breaking the Silence: A Call to Action
The directors of 4CbyC—Prof. Juliet Iwelunmor, Prof. Joe Tuckler, and Prof. Oliver Ezechi—believe that the fight against cervical cancer goes beyond healthcare.
It’s about education, breaking the stigma, and giving women the resources they need to protect themselves.
On this International Women’s Day, the resilience of women like Ene and Jennifer reminds us that cervical cancer is preventable, but only if we take action.
With early detection, access to screenings, and widespread vaccination, we can create a future where no woman has to die from a disease that can be stopped in its tracks.
Your Health Matters – Get Screened Today!
Do you know someone who might be at risk? Encourage them to get tested and vaccinated.
Together, we can spread awareness and save lives.
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