By: Shakara Trott/BIS
The Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, in partnership with the Cancer Society of The Bahamas (Grand Bahama), Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Grand Bahama Power Company and the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), hosted the third annual “Don’t Fear the Smear” cervical cancer awareness campaign at Pearce Plaza on Coral Road.
Held during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the initiative focused on education, prevention and early detection, providing free Pap smears and HPV vaccinations to women in the Grand Bahama community. Attendees also had access to free rapid testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), offering a comprehensive approach to women’s sexual and reproductive health.
Healthcare professionals at the event emphasized that stigma and misinformation remain significant barriers to screening. Many women delay or avoid Pap smears due to fear, misconceptions about the procedure, or stigma associated with HPV. Medical experts reiterated that HPV infection is common, often asymptomatic and not an indicator of promiscuity.
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, underscored the Government’s commitment to collaboration, prevention and early intervention.
“It is so important that we continue to educate and provide opportunities for our women to be tested, to recognize their position and to know that it is preventable,” said Moxey. “I am so encouraged to know that the Public Hospitals Authority PHA, Grand Bahama Health Services, the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister and others are working collaboratively to address this issue.”
She added, “It is critically important for us to collaborate in order for our people to be well-educated and to take advantage of all of the opportunities that are presented.”
Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Anne Marie Davis, emphasized that cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable, yet continues to affect women across The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
“Regionally, cervical cancer is becoming a major concern,” said Mrs. Davis. “This is something we can prevent through Pap smears, early detection and early treatment. With access and education, we can eliminate one of the cancers causing unnecessary suffering and loss among our women.”
The event was spearheaded by Dr. Saida Bowe, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Rand Memorial Hospital, who noted that the campaign continues to grow in reach and impact.
“In our first year, we screened nearly 200 women and vaccinated about 45,” said Dr. Bowe. “The second year produced similar results and this year we are aiming to reach 300 women. The momentum is building.”
Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in The Bahamas, most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 and 44. It is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted through sexual activity and skin-to-skin contact. Health officials recommend HPV vaccination beginning at age 12, and annual Pap smears for women aged 21 and older, or earlier if sexually active.
Dr. Bowe stressed that early detection leads to better outcomes, noting that cost, fear, and discomfort often prevent women from being screened — challenges the “Don’t Fear the Smear” campaign seeks to eliminate by offering services free of charge.
Cervical cancer survivor Stacey Sands, 39, attended the event to offer encouragement and moral support.
“Whenever these events are held, I encourage women to come out,” Sands said. “Everything is confidential and early detection truly saves lives.”
Organizers and attendees alike echoed a shared message: Prevention is possible and early detection saves lives.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
The post Government Partners To Help Strengthen Cervical Cancer Prevention Efforts In Grand Bahama appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.
