Franciska Issaka’s Cancer Journey Screening saves lives! Early detection, better protection! In 2023, I was diagnosed with stage two (2) estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. This was my second brush with cancer, the first was in 1989 when a routine annual cervical screening exam (pap smear) discovered abnormal precancerous cells. After consulting my daughter who was barely six (6) years at the time and other close family members, I successfully underwent a complete and total hysterectomy recommended by my gynecologist at the time in Ghana. This got rid of my precancerous cells and stopped any further growth thereby preventing me from developing full blown cervical cancer. However, now without a uterus, cervix and ovaries, I started menopause in my mid-thirties. To alleviate the symptoms as well as reduce the health risks associated with early surgical menopause, I was prescribed hormone replacement medication (conjugated equine estrogens) for about fifteen (15) years. I am grateful that despite my incredibly busy life in my thirties, I prioritized my cervical health, thereby preventing cancer before it even started. I am also happy that I fully recovered from this and thrived until my breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, about thirty-four (34) years later! By God’s grace, I am in remission again! The unconditional love and support I got is what strengthened me, spurring me on to win my cancer battles! I am now ready to provide help, assistance and encouragement to others on their cancer journeys. Based on my personal experiences with cancer, the Centre for Sustainable Development Initiatives (CENSUDI) is embarking on a cervical health awareness project aimed at preventing and or reducing cervical cancer incidence in my native Ghana where I was a public figure. One of the immediate objectives of this project is to increase cervical screening and HPV vaccination rates in Ghana by 2030. Please join us to prevent needless deaths from cervical cancer! Donate!