Unlike other forms of cancer, cervical cancer is contagious, meaning you can catch it from someone else, and also pass it on. Like Covid-19, it’s a virus, and you get it by direct contact with someone else who has it. The good news is that the earlier it’s detected, the more successfully it can be treated. With September being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, now’s a good time to get yourself armed with the facts so you can protect yourself.
What is cervical cancer?
The cervix is the lowest part of a woman’s uterus (or womb), connecting it to the vagina. Cervical cancer causes abnormal cells in the cervix that multiply quickly. It’s dangerous because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms for a long time, and if left undiagnosed and untreated it can be life threatening.
What causes cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Oddly enough, HPV is extremely common and most people will get a form of it at some time in their life without even knowing it.
Related article: Beat the odds of the big C
There are more than 150 forms of HPV, many of which affect the mouth or throat, or the genital area as in the case of cervical cancer, which is most commonly caused by strains 16 and 18 of the virus. HPV is also the virus that causes genital warts.
Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting South African women, after breast cancer. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), one in 42 women in SA is at risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer in her lifetime.
Risk factors for cervical cancer
• Women between the ages of 35 and 44 are most often diagnosed.
• HIV-positive women have increased risk of being diagnosed at an earlier age because their immune systems are compromised.
• Failure to use protection during sexual intercourse increases your risk of infection.
• The earlier the age at which you are sexually active, the greater your risk.
• Having multiple sexual partners also increases your risk.
• Ironically, use of oral contraceptives is an increased risk.
• Other factors that can raise your risk are being overweight, not getting enough exercise, poor diet, smoking, drinking alcohol and being exposed to certain chemicals (particularly those used in dry-cleaning and in metal-degreasing solvents).
Symptoms of cervical cancer
As mentioned earlier, symptoms of this particular form of cancer can take years to show. Added to this is that some of the signs or symptoms are similar to those of an irregular menstrual cycle, a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection, so women might not take them too seriously. This is why it’s really important to be vigilant and have yourself checked as soon as you notice anything unusual.
Related article: A guide to talking to your children about cancer
Here’s what to look out for:
• Abnormal bleeding between periods
• Periods that are heavier or longer than usual
• Pink, brown or bloody discharge that’s foul-smelling
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower back, pelvic or leg pain
• More frequent urination
• Bleeding after menopause
Treatment for cervical cancer
Treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your medical practitioner will work out a treatment plan that’s appropriate for you.
The cervix is the lowest part of a woman’s uterus (or womb), connecting it to the vagina. Cervical cancer causes abnormal cells in the cervix that multiply quickly. It’s dangerous because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms for a long time, and if left undiagnosed and untreated it can be life threatening.
What causes cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Oddly enough, HPV is extremely common and most people will get a form of it at some time in their life without even knowing it.
Related article: Beat the odds of the big C
There are more than 150 forms of HPV, many of which affect the mouth or throat, or the genital area as in the case of cervical cancer, which is most commonly caused by strains 16 and 18 of the virus. HPV is also the virus that causes genital warts.
Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting South African women, after breast cancer. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), one in 42 women in SA is at risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer in her lifetime.
Risk factors for cervical cancer
• Women between the ages of 35 and 44 are most often diagnosed.
• HIV-positive women have increased risk of being diagnosed at an earlier age because their immune systems are compromised.
• Failure to use protection during sexual intercourse increases your risk of infection.
• The earlier the age at which you are sexually active, the greater your risk.
• Having multiple sexual partners also increases your risk.
• Ironically, use of oral contraceptives is an increased risk.
• Other factors that can raise your risk are being overweight, not getting enough exercise, poor diet, smoking, drinking alcohol and being exposed to certain chemicals (particularly those used in dry-cleaning and in metal-degreasing solvents).
Symptoms of cervical cancer
As mentioned earlier, symptoms of this particular form of cancer can take years to show. Added to this is that some of the signs or symptoms are similar to those of an irregular menstrual cycle, a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection, so women might not take them too seriously. This is why it’s really important to be vigilant and have yourself checked as soon as you notice anything unusual.
Related article: A guide to talking to your children about cancer
Here’s what to look out for:
• Abnormal bleeding between periods
• Periods that are heavier or longer than usual
• Pink, brown or bloody discharge that’s foul-smelling
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower back, pelvic or leg pain
• More frequent urination
• Bleeding after menopause
Treatment for cervical cancer
Treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your medical practitioner will work out a treatment plan that’s appropriate for you.
If you’re female and sexually active, the best way to protect yourself is by having regular Pap smears from the age of 25. CANSA Care Centres countrywide provide screening (contact details below).
Related article: Stories of hope as told by cancer survivors
The Department of Health has an HPV School Vaccination Programme that operates in all public schools in SA, which is aimed at reducing cervical cancer risk. It offers all Grade 4 (nine to 10-year-old) girls the opportunity to receive the HPV vaccination.
This initiative has the support of CANSA. ‘CANSA is proud to stand with the government in educating all young women about the dangers of HPV and cervical cancer and offer an opportunity to take their health into their own hands, as cervical cancer can be effectively treated if detected and diagnosed early,’ says Elize Joubert, CEO of CANSA.
CANSA has nine mobile health clinics that travel throughout SA to communities in remote areas and offer various services, including Pap smear screening tests for cervical cancer.
CANSA is there for you if you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer
If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you are not alone. The wonderful people of CANSA are there to provide all the support, care and advice you need. They will help to guide you through the public health system if necessary, as well as offering counselling, support groups (in person and online) and resources. There are also CANSA Care Homes, where you can stay if you’re receiving treatment far from home.
CANSA
Help desk 0800 22 6622
Email counselling@cansa.org.za
Web https://cansa.org.za/cansa-care-centres-contact-details/
Related article: The beginner’s guide to understanding cancer terms
Related article: Stories of hope as told by cancer survivors
The Department of Health has an HPV School Vaccination Programme that operates in all public schools in SA, which is aimed at reducing cervical cancer risk. It offers all Grade 4 (nine to 10-year-old) girls the opportunity to receive the HPV vaccination.
This initiative has the support of CANSA. ‘CANSA is proud to stand with the government in educating all young women about the dangers of HPV and cervical cancer and offer an opportunity to take their health into their own hands, as cervical cancer can be effectively treated if detected and diagnosed early,’ says Elize Joubert, CEO of CANSA.
CANSA has nine mobile health clinics that travel throughout SA to communities in remote areas and offer various services, including Pap smear screening tests for cervical cancer.
CANSA is there for you if you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer
If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you are not alone. The wonderful people of CANSA are there to provide all the support, care and advice you need. They will help to guide you through the public health system if necessary, as well as offering counselling, support groups (in person and online) and resources. There are also CANSA Care Homes, where you can stay if you’re receiving treatment far from home.
CANSA
Help desk 0800 22 6622
Email counselling@cansa.org.za
Web https://cansa.org.za/cansa-care-centres-contact-details/
Related article: The beginner’s guide to understanding cancer terms
CERVICAL CANCER – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
September 15, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
September 15, 2022
Rating:
