Zamira, a mother of four children was undertaking medical check-up at her local polyclinic in October 2021. Zamira lives in Chimbay, a remote region of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. She was advised by the doctor to take a laboratory test for HPV, which came out to be positive and Zamira went through observational colposcopy by gynecologist in her polyclinic. The results were unexpected and unsettling. The tests revealed that Zamira had Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2 (CIN-2), a precancerous condition that required immediate attention and treatment. To face this she, her family and children had to stay resilient and courageous.
“I was so scared. I cried several days, especially when I read not very patient-friendly information about Cervical Cancer in Internet. My thoughts were only about my kids. Elder daughter was married at that time and I had grandchildren. But my youngest was just a schoolboy. Thanks to the support I received from kids I was able to stand on my feet. I flew to Tashkent for a check-up in the Republican Oncological Centre. I was totally devastated when doctors gathered for a consilium and the outcome of it was hysterectomy. After consultation in Tashkent Oncology center, I came back home, where surgery was performed by our local doctors. I was thrilled that our doctors have the expertise to conduct such operations.”
Cervical cancer is a serious public health problem in Uzbekistan where it is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death among women aged 15 to 45. About 68% of these cancers are diagnosed at III-IV stages due to absence of efficient cervical cancer screening programme, low awareness among women and healthcare providers, adequate access and available medical equipment.
"I am a medical worker myself, and was considering myself a very responsible person to my own health but I would never imagine that this disease could somehow affect me. I never experienced any symptoms of cervical cancer. Doctors indicated that I had anemia, and I only took anti-anemia pills.
In 2021, UNFPA Uzbekistan initiated a cervical cancer screening programme with HPV tests in the republic of Karakalpakstan and Chirchik. Among 49,140 women screened, 6.7% (3,290) were HPV positive. Of these, 23% (759) were referred to oncology, with 1.2% (9) undergoing surgical treatment. Additionally, 31% (237) with minimal lesions received thermal ablation or radio wave coagulation. UNFPA supported provision of two radio-wave devices to treat minor lesions at primary level without visiting the oncological center which made treatment more accessible for woman. More than 500 gynecologists, midwives, general practitioners, patronage nurses, and oncologists from pilot districts have been trained and reached out for cervical cancer awareness.
“The recovery process was not easy, but I drew strength from the love of my family and the support of my community.” Zamira’s courage and struggle for life made women in the village began to take notice, realizing the importance of regular screenings and early detection. Zamira became an advocate for women's health, encouraging others to prioritize screenings and preventive measures.
"As a joyful mother of four and grandmother to four wonderful kids, I've come to realize that nothing surpasses the importance of health. I now advise my daughters to ensure timely vaccinations for their children and ensure timely cervical cancer screening for themselves. "
