By Emmanuel Omona PaOkech

Reproductive Health Uganda Gulu branch has begun a 4 day free cervical cancer screening.

The cervical cancer screening  exercise is currently being conducted  at Pugwinyi and Awere parishes in Gulu district.

Filder Anecia ,the manager Reproductive Health Uganda Gulu branch during a telephone interview  with Uganda Picks said that the exercise begun on Wednesday this week.

Anecia said that there are a lot of women who are suffering from cervical cancer but do not know it.

Anecia noted that cervical cancer is a silent killer that can only be identified if women go for testing .

She said that it is  unfortunate that  80% of the patients seek medical attention when it is too late, making it hard for them to get cured.

She added that it is therefore important that the disease be detected in early stages .

Anecia  said that those who will be found with cancer cells  will be referred Gulu Regional Hospital for treatment.

Cancer of the cervix is the commonest gynecological complication among women in Uganda contributing about 80% of all the female.

The disease is caused by Humanpapilloma virus (HPV)