Introduction

On a warm afternoon, Dorothy Masasa, a 39-year-old mother of three from Thyolo district in southern Malawi, walks joyfully down a dirt road, her newborn baby snugly strapped on her back. Just six months ago, however, life was far from joyous. Dorothy found herself in a dire situation when she learned she had cervical cancer while pregnant—an alarming discovery at just 13 weeks along.

The Diagnosis and Choices

After the diagnosis, healthcare providers quickly registered her as an emergency case. Dorothy was faced with a heartrending decision; doctors in Malawi offered her two options—undergo a surgery that would terminate her pregnancy or treat the cancer with chemotherapy, which posed risks for the baby's health.

A Leap of Faith

Choosing chemotherapy was a leap of faith. She continued her treatment until the birth of her baby via Caesarean section, who arrived without any disabilities. However, that wasn't the end of Dorothy’s battle; during the same operation, her uterus was removed.

Signs of Trouble

Before her diagnosis, signs of trouble plagued her daily life. Cramping, unusual bleeding, and a persistent foul-smelling vaginal discharge were symptoms that initially led doctors to suspect a sexually transmitted infection. As the realities of her condition unfolded, Dorothy felt the weight of uncertainty; many women in Malawi face a similar fate, with the country's healthcare system struggling to manage rising cancer cases.

Journey for Treatment

Her fight against the disease led her to Kenya for radiotherapy, a journey facilitated by the humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Nervous about flying for the first time and leaving her infant behind, Dorothy bravely chose to prioritize her health. The trip was crucial—radiotherapy is essential in destroying cancerous cells, a treatment painfully missing in Malawi until recent advancements.

Cervical Cancer Statistics

The statistics surrounding cervical cancer are harrowing. It ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 660,000 new cases reported in 2022 alone, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). Alarmingly, Africa houses most of the countries with the highest incidence rates, largely due to inadequate access to preventive measures like the HPV vaccine, as well as efficient screening and treatment options.

Healthcare Challenges in Malawi

In Malawi, the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) bears the burden of treating countless cervical cancer patients—Dr. Samuel Meja, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the hospital, attests to the crisis in the region. The lack of screening facilities, compounded by the pervasive impact of HIV, has significantly worsened outcomes for women suffering from this disease.

A Need for Change

With 77 patients airlifted from Malawi to Kenya for cervical cancer treatment since 2022, the fight against this deadly disease is far from over. Dorothy’s journey, while filled with struggles, raises awareness about the urgent need for improved healthcare access for women in Malawi and beyond. Will her story inspire necessary change to ensure that no mother faces the harrowing choice between her health and her child’s life? The conversation must continue to unravel the realities of cervical cancer and demand a future where timely, accessible treatment is a right for every woman.