Medical research shows one in 36 women in their late 20s to early 40s contract cervical cancer. The cancer, which affects the lower end of the uterus (cervix) in the female reproductive system, is one of the most common – but it can be avoided by early detection and it can be cured.
Medical research shows one in 36 women in their late 20s to early 40s contract cervical cancer. The cancer, which affects the lower end of the uterus (cervix) in the female reproductive system, is one of the most common – but it can be avoided by early detection and it can be cured.
It is caused by a number of factors which include the use of oral contraceptives, early sexual contact, having multiple partners and smoking.
But the most common cause is the human papilloma virus (HPV). According to the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Sasog), HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world today.
Cervical cancer begins with abnormal changes in the cervical tissue; however, most women do not have symptoms of the cancer until it has become invasive.
A 34-year-old woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, says she got worried when she started experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding.
“At first I ignored it, but a friend told me it might be serious. I then consulted with my doctor who suggested I do a pap smear,” said the 34-year-old.
She was diagnosed with the cancer last year and is still on chemotherapy. Doctor Pervaiz Iqbal, a general practitioner in East London, says he does pap smears.
“The test finds cell changes early so that the cervix can be treated before it turns into cancer,” said Iqbal.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is a non-profit organisation that supports research, educates the public and provides support to cancer sufferers.
It has offices in East London and Mthatha, and has volunteers from surrounding areas who support cancer patients near to them.
Michelle Goddard, who is a regional manager at Cansa Care, says the type of support they offer to cancer patients is counselling and contact with their support groups.
She says the most common treatments for cervical cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy has the most severe side effects.
Michelle said due to the side effects of chemotherapy, most patients feel discouraged and this is their biggest challenge.
“We get cancer survivors to talk to them and motivate them not to lose hope,” she said.
The woman with cervical cancer said it was mainly support from her family that had kept her going.
She advised all women to get regular Pap smears, especially if they were sexually active.
Like all cancers, cervical cancer is much more likely to be cured if it is detected early and treated immediately. – WSU-SNA
