HEALTH MATTERS Link between cervical cancer and infidelity

By Andrew Walyaula

Medics are calling upon spouses to be faithful in the bid to end cervical cancer that is ranked number two cause of death among other types of cancer in Kenya.

Cervical cancer is majorly caused by HPV virus. Low immunity also contributes to the infection.

According to Dr Victor Teti of Nairobi Women’s Hospital, diseases such as diabetes and HIV, which lower the immunity, can cause cervical cancer.

“Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and syphilis place one at risk of getting cancer. Therefore, anybody who has them should go and test for cancer,” Dr Teti said.

He revealed that it is difficult to identify the disease at an early stage, calling upon women to be vigilant on any symptom that can be related to the illness.

“The symptoms are a smelling discharge from the virgina, a bruise or a pimple-like swelling in the virgina, bleeding during or after sex, and hav-