Cervical Cancer, almost 100% preventable, definitely 100% curable if....

 

Cancer is a disease in which the cells of the body grow out of control. Cancer is always named based on the part of the body it started from, even if it spreads to other parts. The cervix is the mouth of the womb, and holds the developing baby in place until it is time for delivery. Cancer arising from this part is known as Cervical Cancer.

 

What makes cervical cancer unique from all other cancers is that it is almost

entirely preventable! In most western countries, the incidence of cervical cancer has been significantly reduced, with the introduction of effective screening tools and vaccination programs. If detected early, the cure rate is 100%.

It is however baffling that in Sub-Saharan Africa, thousands of women die annually, from this highly preventable disease. In Ghana alone, 2000 women die annually from this disease.

 

Over 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. In most people, the immune system will be able to clear the virus form the body without any problem, a few people will develop more common manifestation of this infection, which is genital warts in both males and females, however, exposure to more virulent subtypes of

this virus will cause further changes which eventually results in the development

of cancer. This obviously puts all sexually active women at risk of cervical cancer. Other sex related factors that further increase the risk include

 

·      First sexual encounter in teenage years

·      Woman with multiple sexual partners; or a woman whose partner has multiple sexual partners

·      Prolonged use of birth control pills; usually five or more years

·      Multiple births; three or more children

 

Other non-sexual related risk factors include

·      Weakened immune system, e.g. HIV infection and Poorly controlled diabetes

·      Smoking

 

By understanding the risk factors, we can map out a strategy for prevention. Such strategies are similar to those used in the prevention of HIV infection, since HPV is also sexually transmitted. They are

1.    Abstain: abstain from sex until you are ready to settle down; if that is not possible, then resort to number 2

2.    Be faithful: be faithful to one partner, and hope that your male partner also remains faithful to you. If you cannot keep this one, or you cannot tell how faithful your partner is, then number three is key.

3.    Use a condom: condoms serve as a barrier to the transmission of the virus, and therefore very useful in prevention of the disease.

 

These strategies are aimed at preventing the spread of HPV infection, but it is not full proof, hence the need for the screening and vaccination against HPV.

 

Two HPV vaccines are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Both vaccines are recommended for 11- and 12-year old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger, but prior to their first sexual encounter.

 

It is important to note that women who are vaccinated against HPV still need to have regular screening for cervical cancer. Periodic screening for cervical cancer is the key in preventing the onset of the disease. The

disease itself may remain symptomless for a prolonged period of time, and may only show signs when well advanced, hence the high mortality rate.

 

The aim of screening is to detect precancerous lesions, which are the earliest changes seen under the microscope. The screening tool used is the Pap smear, which is a quick 5-minute test. Cells are taken from the cervix and viewed under a microscope to look out for any abnormalities.

 

Screening starts from age 21. A normal test or negative screen must be repeated every 3 to 5 years until age 65. A test with positive precancerous findings must be repeated within 6 months, depending on the degree of change, or immediate intervention started. Treatment for such precancerous changes can be done as a walk in procedure, with a cure rate of up to 100%.

 

A woman who does not go through this periodic screening process is at risk of developing overt cervical cancer, which carries a higher risk of mortality.

 

Some symptoms include

·      Foul smelling vaginal discharge

·      Vaginal bleeding after sex (Contact bleeding)

·      Rarely, a feeling of a mass in the vagina

 

It is my prayer that this will urge all women to get a Pap smear

done to know their current status, and to schedule subsequent visits to facilitate prevention of this terrible disease.

 

 

 

SNAPSHOT

Cervical cancer kills 2000 Ghanaian women annually

Cervical cancer is preventable

Cervical cancer is sexually transmitted, so practices safe sex

Pap smear can detect cervical cancer early enough for 100% cure

 

Take advantage of this promo and get screened!