Did you know that cervical cancer is one of the laziest cancers known?
With the identification of the human pappiloma virus (HPV), massive strides have been made in understanding cervical cancer. Here is a virus that gets into the cervical epithelium and colonizes the cells, akin to a squatter moving in to your fallow piece of land. The virus quickly launches into a massive multiplication mission, knowing full well that the land owner (in this case the host body) is watching with a cynical smile, knowing fully well, that when its had enough of the HPV noise, it will eradicate it with one fell swoop.
90% of healthy women will clear this virus without much fanfare. But unfortunately, there are a few smart troopers among the squatters who worm their way into the land-owners' household and cunningly find a way to entrench themselves within the host DNA. They draw no attention and can persist for 10-20 years, quietly entrenching themselves in a process that eventually leads to development of cervical cancer. So one day, the host wakes up and wonders when the title deed changed and he is no longer in possession of the land.
Cervical cancer attacks stealthily and takes over a woman's life. She does not see it coming. And yet, once this happens, it devastates every aspect of her being. As a woman, an individual, a professional, a parent e.t.c.
It therefore follows, that we cannot become bedfellows with this cancer. We will not think that sneak tactics will eject this rogue from our midst. We will eject this monster forcefully, loudly and with as much public disturbance as possible, because then and only then, shall we manage to keep it away.
For this reason, we keep walking. In the rain, hot sun and biting winds. Through towns, cities and game reserves. Whether we sleep in the comfort of a warm bed in a hotel or on the hard ground in a tent. Whether through the populous towns or through the desolate expanses of the savannah.
We will continue to preach about cervical cancer. We will not stop until we can bring hope to the broken woman. We will push on until every woman in Kenya is screened, and can access full treatment where need be.
This is the spirit of Thomas Chacha, Peter Chacha, Daniel Chogo, Philip Rogoro and Nyangi Nyamohanga. I am proud to know these men of valour!
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