Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women worldwide, after breast cancer. Approximately 6000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. Between 3000 and 3500 of these women will die annually, even after treatment.
South Africa took a major step in the safeguarding of women’s health during March this year when the Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, administered the first Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) cervical cancer vaccine to a grade four learner. This campaign by the government will see all girls who are nine years and older being vaccinated. After six months, the same girls will receive the second dose of the vaccine. We celebrate this intervention by government as many women die a painful death due to this preventable disease.
Women in the early stages of cervical cancer will NOT experience any symptoms until the cancer becomes invasive. At this stage cervical cancer symptoms can include irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour, watery vaginal discharge, vaginal discharge tinged with blood, pelvic or back pain, pain during sex, difficulty urinating or defecating.
Reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer:
Quit smoking
These “cancer sticks” not only play a part in lung and throat cancers, but smoking has an effect on cervical cancer, too. Once infected with HPV, smoking more than doubles your risk of not beating the disease on your own. Best to kick the habit.
Get the shot
If you’re under 26, schedule an appointment to get the HPV cervical cancer vaccine.
Limit your amount of sexual partners
Limiting the amount of sexual partners plays a big part in reducing your chance of developing cervical cancer. As the numbers go up, your risk increases significantly.
Eat healthily
A diet full of minerals and nutrients will help your body to fend off cancer and fight disease. Lots of fruit and vegetables may help to fight off an HPV infection, and slow the process that turns normal cervical cells into cancerous ones.
Get your Pap Smear
Early detection is key. The Pap Smear looks for pre-cancers, cell changes on the cervix that may become cervical cancer if not treated. More than half of women who develop cervical cancer have never had screening.
The prognosis of cervical cancer depends on the stage and type of cervical cancer as well as the tumour size. Increase your personal odds in preventing this cancer by having regular screening tests, starting at age 21. And if you experience any of the cervical cancer symptoms mentioned above, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Source: www.biomedcentral.com, www.healthline.com, www.sanews.gov.za, www.womanshealthmag.com
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
