More woman in South Africa die from Cervical Cancer than any other cancer.
This translates to at least 8 women dying from the disease every day in our country.
Whilst these statistics in themselves are shocking, the most alarming fact is that Cervical Cancer is a highly preventable cancer. It is one of the few cancers which has a long pre-cancerous stage.
The World Health Organization estimates that if women in developing countries, such as South Africa, attended cervical screening early and accessed treatment accordingly, 80% of cancers could be prevented.
With January marking Cervical Cancer awareness month, it’s not too late to add another New Year’s resolution: Book a Pap smear. The procedure only takes five minutes to perform, is just once a year and it really could save your life.
What is Cervical Cancer?
In brief, Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the woman’s cervix
| How is Cervical Cancer caused? |
Almost all cases of Cervical Cancer are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
HPV is a very common virus that can be passed on through any type of sexual contact. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, many of which are harmless. However, some types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells of the cervix which can lead to cervical cancer.
HPV is passed on by skin-to-skin contact. Any woman who is sexually active may have come into contact with HPV and therefore requires a Pap smear.
Are there any symptoms to look out for?
The key symptom to look out for is abnormal vaginal bleeding, present after intercourse, in between periods or after menopause.
It is important to note that vaginal bleeding can occur for numerous reasons and it may be a normal physiological variant, none the less it must always be investigated by a physician.
You should contact you G.P if you experience:
Often there are no symptoms of Cervical Cancer or when they do present, it will be when the cancer has reached an advanced stage. This is why it is even more important that all women book a Pap smear appointment. What does the Pap smear involve? |
The Papanicolaou test, abbreviated to Pap smear is a procedure in which a sample of cervical cells are examined under a microscope and checked for irregularities.
It is important to stress that if abnormal cells are found, this does not mean you have Cervical Cancer now. Often the cells go back to normal by themselves, however in some women, if not treated these changes could develop into cancer in the future so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
Pap smears should be taken annually until age 30 after which they should be taken every three years, concluding the screening at age 65-70 years for those women who have persistent normal smears.
Being screened regularly means any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix can be identified at an early stage and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing.
Many women fear their Pap smear.
It’s true. As a nurse, I have consulted numerous women who have avoided cervical screening because they are anxious, and let me tell you, some of the women I’m referring to have endured labour several times!
If you fall into this category, or know those who do, there is nothing to be ashamed of. However, I want to encourage you to push past these fears.
It may be uncomfortable and a bit embarrassing but for most women it should not be painful and it takes only a few minutes.
Here are some suggestions to help alleviate fear and anxiety when it comes to your pap smear:
Preparing for your Pap smear:
1.Get to know the practitioner. Ideally, the practitioner carrying out the procedure will be a nurse/doctor with whom you have a pre-existing trusting relationship with. If you are anxious and tend to tense up, this can make the test difficult but there are ways the practitioner can assist to help you relax your body beforehand, so let them know how you feel before the test.
2.Understand the procedure. It is often fear of the unknown which causes anxiety. Have the procedure explained by your practitioner so you know what to expect. It may also be beneficial to have them show you the instruments which will be used.
3.Get you position right. Ask the practitioner to show you how to position yourself so you are comfortable and in the optimum position for the procedure. There are certain positions which will make finding the cervix easier.
4. And relax..! Once in position take deep breaths in and out to aid relaxation, closing your eyes may also help. If you want the, the practitioner can chat to you during the procedure, which may offer a helpful distraction.
The HPV test
As mention, almost all cases of Cervical Cancer are caused by HPV, therefore, if cell abnormalities are found, the sample should be tested for HPV. This test will show whether a high-risk type of HPV is present.
It is important to emphasise that HPV is not the same thing as cervical cancer; however, the virus can cause cervical cancer if not caught early and treated.
If a high-risk type of HPV is found then it is highly treatable.
HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccination is now available in South Africa. The vaccination works best if administered prior to exposure to HPV. Therefore, it is preferable to administer this before first sexual activity. The vaccine is available for girls nine and up. Contact your General Practitioner to find out more about the vaccine for your daughter or yourself.
It is an extremely sensitive and personal decision as to whether you wish your daughter to have this vaccination. Therefore it is essential to be fully informed and feel comfortable before making a decision.
Concluding Words
The most common form of Cervical Cancer begins with pre- cancerous changes. If women attend their Pap smear, any abnormalities can be found early and with the right treatment, there are ways to stop this disease from developing.
If there’s one thing I hope our female readers will do after reading this article, it is to book a Pap smear if you are due one. But it doesn’t stop there, as women we need to work together and encourage one another. So, the second thing I hope you will do is encourage the females you love in your life to do the same
Men, if you are reading this – please encourage the leading lady in your life to take cervical screening seriously so that they are protected from this highly preventable cancer.
About the author
Jane Spence is a UK registered Nurse and Midwife.
References
Journals:
- “Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus: South African Guidelines for Screening and Testing 2010”, South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology 2010;2 (1):23-26
Text books:
- Fraser, D and Cooper, M, A, “Myles’ Textbook for Midwives, 15 edition” Churchill Livingstone, 16 April 2009
Websites:
- http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cervical-screening-test/Pages/When-should-it-be-done.aspx
- http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/cervical-cancer/about/cervical-cancer-screening
- http://www.gov.za/speeches/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccination-campaign-2015-27-feb-2015-0922
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20th January 216 http://www.mariestopes.org.za/what-is-hpv-a-guide-to-prevention-and-treatment/
