For the first time, the ‘Ik- Kana Cancer’ team is in Santo to raise awareness and do free cervical cancer screenings for women. Since yesterday, more than 80 women have come forward to get checked.

This follows awareness sessions held last week and earlier this week, which encouraged many women to take the first step and set a good example for their communities.

The screenings are mainly for women aged 30 to 54, and results are given on the same day.

In an interview with VBTC News, Max Albert, the president and founder of I Kana Cancer, said that early detection is very important. He explained that women in this age group are at higher risk of getting cervical cancer.

“If you find out in the early stage or Stage 1, it can still be treated,” he said. “But if it’s Stage 2, Vanuatu does not have the right treatment yet—you would have to go overseas, and that can cost 2 to 3 million vatu from your own pocket.”

One of the mothers who took part in the screening is encouraging other young women, especially those around 30 years old, not to be afraid.

“There are a lot of mothers. Don’t be scared. We must check our health—for the good of our families,” she said.

The cervical cancer screenings will continue for four days and will end this Thursday at Unity Park in Luganville.