Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IS COMMEMORATED ANNUALLY IN SEPTEM

BER TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO DO SCREENING AND PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER.

Cervical cancer is the 2nd sexually transmitted infec cerous lesions prevents up most common cantions (STIs), multiple sexual to 80% of cervical cancers, cer among South African partners, early sexual debut, in high resource countries, women. Women have a 1 in and use of oral contracepwhere cervical cancer 35 lifetime risk of cervical tives increases risk. Women screening is routine. cancer. It can be successwith HIV infection also have Who should have a Pap fully treated if detected in the a higher risk of developing smear? • all women who early stages, so it is imporcervical cancer. Furtherhave been sexually active, tant that women are aware more, being overweight, should start having Pap of symptoms and what is inactive, consuming alcohol, smears between ages 18 normal for their bodies. poor dietary habits, smokto 20 years • every eligible

Symptoms include: ing and exposure to chemiwoman should preferably abnormal bleeding between cals increases risk. have a Pap smear at least periods, heavier and longer Reduce Risk Through Pap every 3 years menstrual period, vaginal smears Having regular Pap Note: • It is better to have discharge, vaginal bleeding smears can detect abnormal a Pap smear at a less opti or pain during intercourse/ cells in the cervix (lower part mal time, than not at all after menopause, increased or mouth of the womb), that • Routine cervical screenurinary frequency. could develop into cervical ing is not required for

Risk factors: Cervical cancer. Screening involves women under the age of 18 cancer is mainly caused taking a swab of the cervical years, even if they are sexuby the Human Papilloma cells. It is uncomfortable, ally active • If a woman is Virus (HPV), a common but painless. When abnor 70 years old and, within the virus spread through skin mal cells are identified and last 5 years, had two normal to skin contact, body fluids removed, in many cases it is Pap Smears, she need not and sexual intercourse. prior to cancer cells actually continue with Pap smears Failure to use protection developing. Early diagnosis Visit www.cansa.org.za for more during sexual intercourse, and treatment of pre-caninformation.

Dr Kathryn Carr

MBChB (UCT) DCH (SA)

GENERAL PRACTITIONER Special interest in Child Health 031 573 1185 drkathcarr@gmail.com 33 Beachway, Durban North