Female Cancer Foundation (FCF) fights cervical cancer worldwide through education and research. Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus (HPV) and is highly preventable. FCF’s See & Treat screening programs are cost-effective and easily applicable in developing countries, which promotes and strengthens the sustainability of the concept.
Screening with vinegar
- is an effective and inexpensive method;
- the cervix is dabbed with a light concentration of vinegar;
- abnormal cells that can develop into cervical cancer become visible through a white discoloration;
- women in whom abnormal cells are found are treated immediately.
Cryotherapy
- is treatment with CO2 or N2O, similar to freezing a wart;
- is a treatment method that does not require electricity;
- destroys abnormal cells, reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer by 90%;
- is a very simple method with few side effects, so women continue to menstruate and be fertile.
Sustainability is opportunity
- FCF trains the easy-to-learn See & Treat method to local health workers: doctors, midwives and nurses;
- FCF provides education on cervical cancer;
- following the train-the-trainer principle, this ‘front group’ then trains local health workers in the See & Treat method.