Dorothy's Extraordinary Journey

Dorothy Masasa is a remarkable woman, joyfully traversing a dusty road on a sunny afternoon in Malawi, with her newborn securely strapped to her back. Just six months ago, her life took a dramatic turn when she discovered she had cervical cancer while pregnant, making her story even more extraordinary.

Facing a Grim Diagnosis

At 39 years old and hailing from the Thyolo district in southern Malawi, Dorothy's journey to health has been fraught with challenges. She was diagnosed at just 13 weeks pregnant, and the grim news came alongside a stark realization: her conditions seemed incompatible. “The doctors told me these two things don’t go together," she shared, grappling with the weight of her diagnosis.

A Difficult Choice

Initially, medical experts informed her of two difficult choices: a surgical procedure that would end her pregnancy or chemotherapy, which posed a risk of birth defects. Dorothy chose the latter, unwavering in her hope to bring her child into the world safely. When her baby was born via Caesarean section, against the odds, both mother and child emerged without disability, a testimony to her resilience and determination.

Struggles Before Diagnosis

Before her diagnosis, Dorothy endured relentless symptoms including abdominal cramping, unusual bleeding, and persistent foul-smelling discharge, which doctors initially attributed to a possible sexually transmitted infection. This delay in accurate diagnosis underscores a critical issue in Malawi's healthcare system, particularly regarding women’s health.

Accessing Life-Saving Treatment

Despite the successful delivery and initial treatments, Dorothy found herself in need of further cancer care, which was not available in Malawi until the recent acquisition of radiotherapy machines. Consequently, she joined a group organized by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) that facilitated vital travels for 30 women to receive life-saving radiotherapy in Nairobi, Kenya—a first for many, including Dorothy.

A Journey of Courage

The journey forced her to confront her fears, as it was her first experience flying and she was reluctant to leave her newborn behind. “But because I was going there for treatment, I encouraged myself that I should indeed go and get treatment and that I will come back home healthy and happy,” she affirmed, reflecting a spirit that many can admire.

A Broader Crisis

Her story is emblematic of a broader crisis: cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting staggering statistics of approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022 alone. Alarmingly, many African nations, including Malawi, rank high on the list of cervical cancer prevalence due to inadequate access to preventive measures like the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, limited screening resources, and late-stage treatments.

Healthcare Challenges in Malawi

At the forefront of this battle is Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Malawi’s largest treatment center, which is overwhelmed with cervical cancer cases. Obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Samuel Meja pointed out the compounding factors contributing to the high rates: "Poor access to screening and the scourge of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa have worsened the situation."

Urgent Call to Action

In 2018, Malawi tragically held the title for the second-highest rate of cervical cancer in southern Africa, following only Eswatini. This pressing health crisis demands urgent attention, advocacy, and innovative solutions to empower women and improve healthcare access.

Conclusion

Dorothy Masasa's journey is not just a personal triumph but a call to action for a society grappling with a devastating crisis. As she continues her recovery, her story sheds light on the importance of early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, and the hope that the medical advancements in Malawi could spell a better future for women facing similar battles.