Cervical Cancer

Eliminate Cervical Cancer Through Early Detection

Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among South African women, but the cancer women die of most in our country. Women in South Africa have a 1 in 42 lifetime risk of cervical cancer (NCR 2019).

CANSA reminds women of the vital role regular Pap smears play in the detection, and elimination, of cervical cancer. Nearly 11 000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in South Africa, making it the second most common cancer among women as well as having the highest death rate among women.

Cervical cancer develops when the cervix, the lower, narrow, end of the uterus, becomes infected with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) – HPV 16 and 18 being the most detected types. HPV virus lives on the skin and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin, or sexual contact. Once the cervix is infected, pre-cancerous lesions may develop and if left untreated, evolve into invasive cancers. CANSA encourages all women who are sexually active to have regular Pap smears – a painless procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and examined under a microscope – that can help detect any abnormalities caused by HPV which can lead to cancer.

It’s also very important that women do not stay away when they receive abnormal results. The gap between screening and treatment is very high in South Africa. Around 50% of women who present with pre-cancerous signs are referred for further follow-up such as a colposcopy and biopsy. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and is highly treatable, when caught in the early stages, with treatment being able to start as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer today have not had regular Pap smears or followed up on abnormal results. Myths, misconceptions, and misinformation surrounding cervical cancer and HPV can be highly damaging, giving rise to stigma as well as negatively affecting the decisions women take when it comes to prevention, seeking help and accessing treatment. Factors such as lack of financial resources, transport and child-care also prevent women from accessing health care facilities to be screened or to go back for further medical assistance.

THE ELIMINATION INITIATIVE SUGGESTS A THREE-PILLAR APPROACH:

No one intervention alone will be enough. The strategy requires accelerated action in prevention through vaccination, early detection through screening and timeous cancer treatment.

Know the Symptoms

• abnormal bleeding between periods,
• heavier and longer menstrual period,
• vaginal discharge,
• vaginal bleeding or pain during intercourse / after menopause
• increased urinary frequency.

Know the Risk Factors

• cervical cancer is mainly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common virus spread through skin to skin contact, body fluids and sexual intercourse. Failure to use protection during sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), multiple sexual partners, early sexual debut, and use of oral contraceptives increases risk.
• being overweight and inactive,
• consuming alcohol,
• poor dietary habits,
• smoking,
• exposure to chemicals

Anyone diagnosed with cervical cancer can contact a local CANSA Care Centre to access CANSA’s care and support programmes, such as medical equipment hire, wigs, counselling, tele counselling, support groups, online support groups and resources, as well as CANSA Care Homes where patients receiving treatment far from home can stay during treatment. Support and information can also be obtained via the CANSA Help Desk on 0800 22 6622 or email info@cansa.org.za

CERVICAL CANCER – Myth vs Fact

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Asian, Coloured and White women in South Africa, while it is the most common cancer among African women. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, located at the lower part of the uterus (womb). When detected early, or in the pre-cancer stage, treatment can be highly successful.

MYTH: Cervical cancer is hereditary.

FACT: Cervical cancer is not hereditary like breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It is caused by HPV infection. To save your child from the infection, make sure they get the HPV vaccine. If you are too old to get HPV vaccine, then make sure you get regular HPV and Pap tests.

MYTH: The cause of cervical cancer is unknown.

FACT: Most of the cervical cancers are caused by the HPV virus which is a sexually transmitted infection.

MYTH: I don’t need to get screened because I don’t have any symptoms.

FACT: A screening test is done to find out if there is any abnormal thing going on in the body in the people who are not having any symptoms. When there are symptoms, then the diagnostic test is done to find out the cause of the symptoms. An abnormal cervical cell does not cause any symptoms earlier, but they can be detected during the screening.

MYTH: Pap smear test can help in the diagnosis of other gynaecological cancers, example: ovarian cancer.

FACT: The cervical Pap Smear Test does not test for other gynaecological cancers.

MYTH: A Pap test is enough for protecting women against cervical cancer.

FACT: Just a Pap test is not enough to protect women against cervical cancer. For any women aged 30 and older, an HPV test along with a Pap smear test increases chances of obtaining an early diagnosis.

MYTH: Cervical cancer is fatal.

FACT: Cervical cancer can be cured if detected and treated at an early stage

MYTH: Cervical cancer is contagious.

FACT: Cancer cannot be transmitted from one individual to another – it is not infectious. HPV infection, on the other hand, is contagious and is spread by skin-to-skin contact and sexual contact