What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is most common among women aged 35-49 years. However, all women are at risk for cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Most HPV infections clear on their own without treatment but if the infections do not go away, they can cause cervical cancer after 10-15 years.

Some of the risk factors for cervical cancer include:

  • Tobacco use
  • Having other sexually transmitted infections
  • Poor immunity due to HIV/AIDS infection and other diseases.
  • Having multiple sexual partners.
  • Having sexual intercourse at an early age.

Cervical Cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for women in most parts of the world. Every year, more than 300,000 women die from cervical cancer, 90% of the cases and deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. In Kenya, 9 women die from cervical cancer every day: it is the most common cancer among women after breast cancer.

Facts:

  • Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable
  • Women with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer as it is hard for their immune systems to fight HPV.

Cervical cancer takes time to develop and may not cause symptoms until it gets to advanced stages which is why regular screening is important for early detection. Some of the symptoms may include:

  • pain during sex or bleeding after sex
  • abnormal menstruation
  • pelvic pain
  • unusual vaginal discharge
  • bleeding after menopause
  • a bad vaginal smell that is persistent.

Regular screening through HPV tests and pap smears can help with early detection when the cancer is more treatable. Women from 25-65 years not living with HIV should get screened after every three or five years. Women living with HIV should be screened every year.

The HPV Vaccine

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective at preventing the types of HPV that commonly cause cancer in the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus. Both boys and girls should get the HPV vaccine before they become sexually active between the ages of 9 and 15. In Kenya, it is given in public health facilities free of charge to girls between 10-14 years. The HPV vaccine is given in two doses, 6 months apart, it is safe and effective. Even after receiving the HPV vaccine, women should still get screened regularly since there is still a chance of them developing cervical cancer.

Preventive methods:

The three HPV prevention strategies include:

  • primary prevention which involves HPV vaccination. Secondary prevention involves screening and treatment of precancerous lesions
  • tertiary prevention which includes treatment of cervical cancer and palliative care.
  • Additional prevention measures include: having one sexual partner, practicing safe sex by using condoms, and avoiding smoking.
Share This :