Cervical cancer: Basic facts

Cancer is a serious and growing public health challenge in the world.

It is one of the four major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

Cancer currently contributes to more deaths than HIV, malaria and TB combined, and robs us of the most productive age group (30-70 years).

There are cancers which are more likely to occur in people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and these are classified as AIDS-related cancers. These constitute about 60 percent of new cancers in Zimbabwe.

The most common AIDS-related cancers are Kaposi Sarcoma, Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, primary central nervous system (CNS) Lymphoma and cervical cancer.

These cancers however, can also affect people who are HIV negative.

This article will focus on cervical cancer.

This is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.

Women who are HIV positive are five times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than those that are HIV negative.

Cervical cancer grows slowly so precancerous cells can be identified through screening and if treated, cancer can be prevented.  Hence early diagnosis and treatment goes a long way in averting cervical cancer. Statistics show that globally, every minute a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer and every two minutes, a woman dies from it.

Cervical cancer risk factors

• Age

Multiple sexual partners or a partner who has had multiple sexual partners

Early onset of sexual activities (before 20 years)

Harmful cultural practices (inserting herbs or chemicals into the vagina to enhance sexual pleasure)

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Multiparity (more than four children)

Smoking-harmful chemicals can damage the cervix

Family history of cervical cancer, especially mother or sister

Immunosuppression e.g HIV infection.

Signs and symptoms

In the early stages (precancerous stage), there are no symptoms or signs. When advanced, the following abnormal vaginal bleeding may appear

Bleeding between periods

Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam

Menstrual periods that lasts longer and heavier than before

Bleeding after going through menopause

Women may also notice:

A  watery, foul smelling discharge which does not respond to antibiotics

Increased vaginal discharge

Pelvic or abdominal pain

Pain during sex

Leg swelling and fatigue

If the cancer spreads out of your cervix other symptoms may include

Constipation

Blood in your urine (hematuria)

Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence)

Bone pain

Swelling of one of your legs

Severe side or back pain

Changes to your bladder and bowel habits

Loss of appetite, weight loss

Tiredness and a lack of energy

Ways of preventing cervical cancer

Abstinence from sex, especially below 20 years of age

Being faithful to one partner

Early treatment of STIs

Using condoms

No smoking

Do not insert herbs or chemicals into the vagina

Screening

Screening for CC looks for changes on the cervix in women without symptoms

Women are encouraged to start going for screening at the age of 21. Those who are below 21 but sexually active should also get tested.

Available tests

Pap smear

Visual inspection with Acetic Acid and Cervicography (VIAC)

On 16 and 17 October 2019, as in the past years, NAC will be coordinating a fundraising golf tournament to procure cervical cancer screening equipment. This tournament will be held at Chapman Golf Club in Harare. Individuals and corporates who wish to be part of this worthy cause can contact NAC for more information.