Cervical cancer awareness month in South Africa: Preventing deaths through childhood vaccination

Cervical cancer awareness month in South Africa: Preventing deaths through childhood vaccination

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women. But vaccination against one of the diseases that can lead to this cancer can greatly reduce women’s risk.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has called on parents and guardians to ensure girls are vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) to lower the risk of cervical cancer in the next generation.

A NATIONAL HEALTH PRIORITY

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the entrance to the womb). It is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet cervical cancer is also one of the most prevalent among South African women, second only to breast cancer. In South Africa, a woman’s lifetime risk of cervical cancer is 1 in 43, according to CANSA, and the country has a population of more than 21 million women above the age of 15 who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.

Due to limited access to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, cervical cancer is often fatal and is responsible for the second most cancer deaths among women. Both breast and cervical cancer have been identified as a national priority by the South African government due to increasing incidences.

Cervical cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma) among South African women. An estimated 11 000 women are diagnosed with the disease every year. If diagnosed early, cervical cancer responds well to treatment. This means that early detection is vital in saving lives.

While early detection is essential for treating cervical cancer, there are ways to prevent the disease from developing. The most effective of these is vaccination against HPV, which is often the underlying cause of cervical cancer.

REDUCING RISK

HPV is a very common virus that infects most people at some point in their lives. HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sexual intercourse. While there are more than 40 strains of the virus, strains 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70% of all HPV-related cancers. Close to 80% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

It is estimated that around 3% of women in the general population are infected at any given time with the two strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Around 80% of women will have been infected with HPV at some point by the age of 50.

HPV vaccination is an effective strategy in lowering the cervical cancer risk among women in South Africa, according to CANSA.

This vaccination is included in the Integrated School Health Programme – a programme in partnership between the Department of Health, Department of Basic Education and Department of Social Development – and is available free of charge to girls aged between nine and 12 (Grades 4 to 7) in all government schools.

The vaccine is most effective if it is administered before an individual has been exposed to the high-risk strains of the virus. This is why it is preferable to have it administered to children before they become sexually active.

hpV is a very common virus that infects most people at some pointin their lives.

“Parents and guardians who make it possible for their girl child to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine are making sure that their girl child’s risk is reduced against HPV infection and the possibility of getting cervical cancer,” said Elize Joubert, CEO of CANSA.

DETECTION CAN SAVE LIVES

Having regular Pap smears can detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cervical cancer. When abnormal cells are identified and removed, it is often before cancer cells have developed. Early diagnosis and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancers.

It is advised that women should have a Pap smear at least every ten years from the age of 30, although sexually active women should preferably have screenings every three years.

The National Department of Health’s Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Policy allows for women aged 30 years and older to have three Pap smears in their lifetime - at 30, 40 and 50 - at public health clinics. These procedures are at no cost to the patient. If women present abnormal symptoms, they can request a Pap smear at local government clinics. HIV-positive women are eligible for a Pap smear at the time of their diagnosis and every three years thereafter.

Symptoms for women to look out for include abnormal bleeding between periods, heavier and longer menstrual period, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding or pain during intercourse. Women are more at risk of cervical cancer if they’ve had HPV, and it is advised to make use of protection against sexually transmitted infections during intercourse.

Sources:cansa|hpvcentre|gov.za|westerncape.gov.za