Cervical Cancer in Burkina Faso: Current Status, Government Strategies, and the Role of Traditional Medicine in Treatment
Estelle Ouedraogo *
Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Départment of Biochemistry-Microbiology, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso and Center of Biomolécular research Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), 01 BP 216 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.
Bagora Bayala
Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Départment of Biochemistry-Microbiology, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso and Center of Biomolécular research Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), 01 BP 216 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso and Ecole Normale Supérieure, BP 376 Koudougou, Burkina Faso.
Théodora Mahoukèdè Zohoncon
Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Départment of Biochemistry-Microbiology, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso and Center of Biomolécular research Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), 01 BP 216 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso and Faculty of Health Sciences, University Saint Thomas d’Aquin (USTA), Ouagadougou BP 10212, Burkina Faso.
Samiratou Ouedraogo
Chair “Research and Action Against Cancer”, Département de Santé Publique, Training and Research Unit in Health Sciences, University Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso and Observatoire National de la Santé de la Population, Institut National de Santé Publique, BP 10278 OUAGA Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and The Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, 2001 Av. McGill College, Montréal, QC H3A 1Y7, Canada.
Essi Etonam Dovo
Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Départment of Biochemistry-Microbiology, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso and Center of Biomolécular research Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), 01 BP 216 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.
Olga Mélanie Lompo
Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Départment of Biochemistry-Microbiology, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso and Chair “Research and Action Against Cancer”, Département de Santé Publique, Training and Research Unit in Health Sciences, University Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso and Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy and Cytology, UJKZ, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Jacques Simpore
Center of Biomolécular research Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), 01 BP 216 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In Burkina Faso, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Both incidence and mortality rates have risen steadily in recent years. Its natural history is linked to persistent infection with an oncogenic human papillomavirus, a necessary but not sufficient factor in its development. However, cervical cancer is said to be preventable, due to its slow evolution. To date, it is the only cancer that can be prevented by vaccination against human papillomaviruses (HPV). Systematic and regular screening enables early detection of precancerous lesions so that they can be treated, thereby preventing the onset of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, access to these preventive measures remains limited for the majority of the population due to cost. The government of Burkina Faso, through its Ministry of Health, has put in place strategies to facilitate access to screening and care. Burkina Faso's researchers and teacher-researchers are also collaborating with traditional health practitioners in the search for better remedies and active substances with no side effects, through the use of medicinal plants. This review aims to take stock of cervical cancer in Burkina Faso: achievements, shortcomings, strategies implemented by the government and the contribution of scientific research to the fight against this scourge.
Keywords: Cervical cancer, human papillomavirus, screening, medicinal plants, Burkina Faso