Sexual and reproductive health is a major concern for young women and other health stakeholders, and cervical and breast cancer are on top of the list.

This was said by Ms. 'Malineo Lebina Monitoring and Service Delivery Co-ordinator of the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association.

'Those who are mostly at risk are women who have never breastfed, do not have children, have a late menopause and who may inherit it from there parents.

‘Some women do a pap smear after hearing about cancer. Since cancer is an opportunistic illness, it exacerbates the situation when one is HIV positive. HIV does not cause the presence of cancer as the disease predates the HIV era therefore it is important that women should always know their cancer status'

She expressed concern that women in the rural areas may not have correct information about cancer because health facilities do not reach them.

Mrs. Lebina said her organization is planning to produce informational material for those who do not have access to it.

'There are plans to use mass media to educate women throughout the country to encourage them to go for tests.'

Current figures she said show that at least 25 women go for tests every month.

Source: LENA 14/07/2008