January 2011 has been declared Cervical Cancer Awareness Month worldwide in a bid to raise awareness of the disease and its causes. In accord with the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) new cases of cervical cancer are seen as a result of the Human papiolloma virus (HPV) – caused tumours; which can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. the good news is; with regular screening and follow-ups is the key direction to prevent cervical cancer. SBCN theme; take the initiative; visit your nearest clinic for a cervical cancer screening, annually/at least once in two years. “do not wait for flowers to be brought to you, plant your own Garden”. What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer begins in the cervix. the cervix is part of the reproductive system and located at the lower part of the womb, called the uterus. the uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. the cervix connects to the vagina which leads to the outside of a woman’s body. the cervix is located in the area of the pelvic bone. What causes cervical cancer?unfortunately, there is no known straight cause of cancer, however, the finest explanation is; Cancer occurs when unhealthy cells grow on the mouth of the cervix. When unhealthy [precancerous] cells are left untreated, they may turn malignant [cancerous]. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that show strains caused by the well-known Human Papillomavirus (HPV). there are many different types of HPV’s. so far it has been found that at least 30 of them can cause different types of cancers.Cervical cancer usually takes many years to develop. A majority of abnormal cells found in the cervix occur as a result of being exposed (infected by) any one of the many high risk including the human papillomaviruses (HPV) that exist in almost every human body. Once infected, these abnormal [precancerous] cells can be usually be detected by a Pap test. Humman Papilomavirus [HPV]HPV is a family of very common viruses’ that exist in anyone’s body and it is highly transmitted through skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse. HPV is also found contributing to most cervical cancers, plus a variety of other problems like common warts, genital warts and plantar warts. HPV also causes cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and cancers of the head and neck. HPV can infect a woman’s cervix when she had sexual intercourse with a partner who has the HPV virus in which (it can be found in men and women). it is not possible to know when or from whom you got HPV, especially if one has multiple sexual concurrent partners. Focusing your energy on getting regular cervical tests can help ‘beat the cancer’.do condoms prevent the spread of HPV?Recent studies suggest that regular condom use provides some protection against the HPV infection. however, since condoms do not cover all areas that can be the source of the spread of HPV, they do not offer complete protection. Also, occasional use of condoms was not shown to offer any protection from HPV. however, condoms do reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted disease when used all the time and in the right way.
Who can get cervical cancer and who should be screened? every sexually active woman can get cervical cancer from untreated virus infections; therefore, a need for every sexually active women to put into practice annual cervical screening. Currently women at their 20s and 30s are diagnosed of cervical cancer. Women who had not been involved in sexual intercourse should be screened at age 21. Cervical cancer screening? A Pap test is a painless and non time consuming procedure that needs to be done at least annually. Before a pap test; at least it must be a week after your menstrual cycle, avoid sexual intercourse three days before screening, and avoid spermicidal/vaginal treatment and douching.
What are warning signs of cervical cancer? Remember that cervical cancer symptoms/warning signs take time [several years] to show however with regular screening precancerous cells can be detected early. Moreover, when the following symptoms appear rush to your nearest screening clinic;? Abnormal vaginal bleeding – during or after sexual intercourse - bleeding between periods [each week of the month]? Discomfort during sexual intercourse ? Smelly vaginal discharge? Vaginal bleeding after menopause? often pelvic painWhile the following can put one at risk of having cervical cancer? Exposure to Human Papillomavirus and other STIs? Early exposure to sexual intercourse? Multiple sex partners? If you or your partner have been treated for Genital Warts ? High number of pregnancies? Poor diet and lack of exercise? Smoking and alcohol? Family history of cancers.Up to 80% of women worldwide get Genital Infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections; however that is not the cause of cervical cancer. STIs are curable, regular visit your nearest clinic/ health centre get a cure. Keeping STIs untreated is giving them chance to mastitis or change to cancer. STIs do not cause cancer. Part of this information is courtesy of americancancerassociation, cancercontrol.com“Visit your nearest health centre, screen your cervix, then bring your results to…”
The SBCN breast Clinics:• Tuesdays from 9am-1pm at the Manzini Municipal Council.• Thursdays from 9am- 1pm at the Mbabane Government Hospital Room 4 in the Out Patient Department (OPD).For more information please contact the Swaziland Breast Cancer Network during office hours at 404 9270 or 551 4476. Email; sbcn@realnet.co.sz or pro.sbcn@realnet.co.sz