Cervical Cancer: Stay Informed, Protected, and Healthy

We know “cancer” is a big, scary word, and a serious health issue, but let’s focus on the good news. According to the South African Department of Health, “Through expanded screening and testing initiatives, the country is making strides toward preventing cervical cancer as a public health challenge.”

It’s true that cervical cancer, in particular, is a health condition that impacts millions of women around the world. Yet, it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. Here in South Africa, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women; a sobering fact which makes awareness and effective healthcare essential.

Let’s delve into the basics of cervical cancer, the importance of HPV vaccines, and why regular screenings like Pap smears are key to staying ahead of this disease.

What is cervical cancer?

This type of cancer develops in the cervix. That’s the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Typically, most cases of cervical cancer stem from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. While not all HPV strains lead to cancer, certain high-risk types are closely linked to cervical cancer.

Symptoms can include:

• Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.
• Heavy or painful menstrual cycles.
• Unusual vaginal discharge.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Persistent pelvic or back pain.
• Bleeding after menopause.

However, many early-stage cases are symptom-free, which is why regular screenings are so important.

How HPV vaccines help

According to the Department of Health, “The government has introduced a number of interventions to prevent cervical cancer amongst women, and these include the launch of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign (launched in 2014) to reduce the incidence of cancer of the cervix mainly targeting all girls in grade 5, aged 9 years and older in all public and special schools. So far, between 85% and 89% of targeted girls received one or more doses. Studies have shown that vaccination in late childhood/early adolescence is effective as strong immunity develops (before onset of sexual activity).

This is promising because the HPV vaccine was originally developed to help the immune system create antibodies to fight HPV before it infects cells.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) recommends that children, particularly girls aged 9-12, receive the vaccine. It's most effective before any exposure to HPV, which is why it’s offered free of charge in government schools.

This pre-emptive step of vaccinating your child goes a long way to reducing their risk of HPV-related infections and, in turn, their likelihood of developing cervical cancer. And while HPV often affects women, boys can also benefit from the vaccine, helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

Don’t forget regular health checks

So, the HPV vaccine is an excellent preventive measure, but let’s not ignore regular health check-ups and screenings. These are still important for women of all ages. A Pap smear is a valuable and effective tool to assist with early cervical cancer detection.

Many women are understandably apprehensive of the test, but it’s relatively quick and painless. During the test, a sample of cells will be taken from the cervix to check for abnormalities that could lead to cancer. If anything abnormal is found at this stage, it’s still early enough to take action and get treatment that could potentially save your life.

Your doctor or gynaecologist will recommend how often you need a Pap smear. This is dependent on your age, health history, and previous test results.

Good to know

It’s important to know that not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer. In fact, many HPV strains are low-risk and cause no health problems. However, as some types are a significant risk, you can’t leave things to chance. If cervical cancer is detected, your doctor will recommend treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer methods like immunotherapy.

Remember: early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes.

Taking charge of your health is about more than immediate wins. It’s about the long term, about being as healthy as possible, for as long as possible. Let go of the fear factor and stay up to date with your check-ups, keep an eye on concerning symptoms, and always get medical help sooner than later. 

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.