• Surbhi Grover, Mmakgomo Raesima, Memory Bvochora-Nsingo, Sebathu P Chiyapo, Dawn Balang, Neo Tapela, Onyinye Balogun, Mukendi K A Kayembe, Anthony H Russell, Barati Monare, Senate Tanyala, Jailakshmi Bhat, Kealeboga Thipe, Metlha Nchunga, Susan Mayisela, Balladiah Kizito, Ari Ho-Foster, Babe Eunice Gaolebale, Ponatshego A Gaolebale, Jason A Efstathiou, Scott Dryden-Peterson, Nicola Zetola, Stephen M Hahn, Erle S Robertson, Lilie L Lin, Chelsea Morroni, and Doreen Ramogola-Masire.
• Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA , USA ; Botswana University of Pennsylvania Partnership , Gaborone , Botswana.
• Front Oncol. 2015 Jan 1; 5: 239.

AbstractBotswana 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.

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