Prevent and Detect Cervical Cancer in Guatemala

In mid-October, WINGS’ cervical cancer screening mobile unit ventured to the small village of Cuncún.  Nestled among seemingly endless fields of sugar cane, the village’s residents make their livings by planting and harvesting on the plantation.  

Rosa, a 34-year-old mother of four, was one of the approximately 20 women who attended the clinic to get a cervical cancer screening.  She shared her reflections on why WINGS’ arrival to her community was so important to her.

“Here, it is difficult to go get to the health center.  There are no buses that pass through our village, and if you aren’t lucky enough to hitchhike a ride on a truck leaving town, there is about an hour long walk to get to the bus stop,” explained Rosa.

“Besides the clinic coming right to our community, it was great that the screenings were done by two female nurses.  In the health center, it is always a male doctor who does the test.”  Rosa said that having a male perform the exam has delayed her from getting screened in the past, and she believes that is also the case among some of her friends and family members. 

Rosa went on to explain that she is most excited about WINGS coming to her community because it is an important step in educating people about cervical cancer.  “On my way here, I asked some of my neighbors if they were going to come to get screened.  They asked me why I was going since they said only women who aren’t faithful to their husbands need to take these sorts of tests. It was very embarrassing, but I tried to explain that it wasn’t true.  With the information that WINGS gave us today about the risk factors and causes of cervical cancer, I think the word will spread, and the next time WINGS comes to Cuncún, more women will be lined up here like I was.”