AUTHOR=Grover Surbhi , Raesima Mmakgomo , Bvochora-Nsingo Memory , Chiyapo Sebathu P. , Balang Dawn , Tapela Neo , Balogun Onyinye , Kayembe Mukendi K. A. , Russell Anthony H. , Monare Barati , Tanyala Senate , Bhat Jailakshmi , Thipe Kealeboga , Nchunga Metlha , Mayisela Susan , Kizito Balladiah , Ho-Foster Ari , Gaolebale Babe Eunice , Gaolebale Ponatshego A. , Efstathiou Jason A. , Dryden-Peterson Scott , Zetola Nicola , Hahn Stephen M. , Robertson Erle S. , Lin Lilie L. , Morroni Chelsea , Ramogola-Masire Doreen TITLE=Cervical Cancer in Botswana: Current State and Future Steps for Screening and Treatment Programs JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology VOLUME=5 YEAR=2015 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2015.00239 DOI=10.3389/fonc.2015.00239 ISSN=2234-943X ABSTRACT=

Botswana has a high burden of cervical cancer due to a limited screening program and high HIV prevalence. About 60% of the cervical cancer patients are HIV positive; most present with advanced cervical disease. Through initiatives by the Botswana Ministry of Health and various strategic partnerships, strides have been made in treatment of pre-invasive and invasive cancer. The See and Treat program for cervical cancer is expanding throughout the country. Starting in 2015, school-going girls will be vaccinated against HPV. In regards to treatment of invasive cancer, a multidisciplinary clinic has been initiated at the main oncology hospital to streamline care. However, challenges remain such as delays in treatment, lack of trained human personnel, limited follow-up care, and little patient education. Despite improvements in the care of pre-invasive and invasive cervical cancer patients, for declines in cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality to be achieved, Botswana needs to continue to invest in decreasing the burden of disease and improving patient outcomes of patients with cervical cancer.