Prevent and Detect Cervical Cancer in Guatemala

Paola, like many women in her village, spent her days caring for her siblings and helping in the fields. Conversations about health, especially about her own body, were rare, even taboo. However, Paola had been feeling strange. She had persistent back pain, headaches, itchiness, and even discharge that worried her. Sometimes, she felt so faint she had to sit down. Still, she brushed it off as just another part of life’s struggles. 

Clara, a nurse from WINGS, arrived in Paola's village with just her backpack and a mission. She set up a workshop on contraceptive methods, engaging the women in discussions about their health. During the session, Clara also explained what cervical cancer is and how it can be easily prevented with regular screenings. Paola listened closely, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in her stomach as Clara spoke.

Clara then introduced the cervical screening method WINGS offers, using VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid). “This method allows us to detect early signs of cervical cancer quickly and painlessly,” Clara explained. Hearing this, Paola felt a flicker of hope. After the workshop, Paola nervously approached Clara, asking about her symptoms. Clara gently assured her that the discomfort could be caused by several things, not necessarily cancer, but urged Paola to get screened as soon as possible.

The following week, Paola went to one of WINGS jornadas (clinic days) for her screening, nervous but determined. Clara was there to guide her through the process. Afterward, Paola felt a wave of relief. Her results came back clear, and Clara reassured her that she just needed to keep up with regular screenings and be mindful of any unusual symptoms. 

Feeling empowered, Paola didn’t stop there. She shared her story with friends and neighbors, telling them how important it was to recognize the symptoms she had been ignoring. Cervical cancer, once a topic no one discussed, started to be openly talked about in the community. For Paola, the journey wasn’t just about preventing cancer—it was about learning to value her own health and empowering other women to do the same. 

"The more you know," Clara had said, "the more control you have over your future." At WINGS, we continue to educate women of all ages about their health and empower them to take control of their futures.