Prevent and Detect Cervical Cancer in Guatemala

In 2024, WINGS provided nearly 4,400 cervical cancer screenings, a 31% increase over 2023 results. In keeping with past data, about one-third of those were to women who had never been screened before. WINGS offers cervical cancer screenings in all our clinics, either within our stationary clinics or our mobile unit clinics. We use visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for immediate detection of cervical cell abnormalities and same-day treatment using thermocoagulation for pre-cancerous cells that may lead to cervical cancer.

As you can see from the 2024 results, most (93.3%) of the women screened were found to have no positive (abnormal) cells and did not require further treatment. Of the 245 women who received a positive diagnosis for abnormalities, all but 28 of them received thermocoagulation treatment or were referred to other providers for further testing. These 28 women fall into a few different categories: women who wanted to think about their options for treatment, women who decided to come back at a later date because they had also had a different procedure that same day, or women who simply did not want to be treated.

At WINGS, giving our patients all the information we have and then allowing them to make the best decision for themselves is one of the most important aspects of our care. Each person knows their own comfort level around making heath decisions and we do everything in our power to educate, answer questions, and respect each woman’s decisions regarding her body.

In 2025, we aim to maintain the number of VIA screenings from last year, with many of those screenings occurring in the most rural, hard-to-reach areas of the country. Your support means that we are able to offer this service, knowing that we are saving lives. On behalf of our medical providers and the women we serve, ¡GRACIAS!

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.