Cervical Cancer Screening at HAS
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among Haitian women, and the second most common cause of cancer death. The rate of cervical cancer in Haiti is up to 50 times higher than it is in the United States and four times higher than in the neighboring Dominican Republic. However, when pre-cancerous cell changes are identified early, cervical cancer is easily preventable.
In 2018, HAS introduced its first systematic cervical cancer screening program. Partnering with Rotary International, community organizations, and medical volunteers, HAS obstetricians and other clinical staff were trained in a see-and-treat method of screening, which allows the physician to immediately remove any abnormal cells. See-and-treat removes the need for follow-up visits, which is often difficult for our patients. The team has screened over 1,000 women to date, and a number have received treatment for abnormal cells.