Focus on cervical, prostate cancer

Understanding and speaking about the top cancers affecting men and women in Southern Africa can gradually lead to more awareness on the diseases and inevitably enables early detection and treatment in order to improve survival.

Early detection and treatment of cancer leads to higher rates of successful treatment and extended life.

We suggest that patients be aware of their bodies and that they speak to their doctors whenever they notice changes that may concern them.

When making the decision on what to look out for, it is important to take into consideration the signs and symptoms of prevalent diseases. The top cancers affecting women include breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, colo-rectal cancer and uterine cancer.

Those affecting men include prostate cancer, colo-rectal cancer, lung cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Cervical cancer has received a lot of attention over the past few years as it is affecting more women. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Southern African women.

Cervical cancer is predominately caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common virus spread through skin to skin contact, body fluids and sexual intercourse.

The human papilloma viruses are a group of more than 200 related virus strains. More than 40 HPV strain types can be easily spread through direct sexual contact (vaginal, anal and oral sex). If untreated, some of these virus strains have the potential to progress to cancer.

HPV vaccinations or a regular pap smear can help detect abnormal cells in the cervix. Symptoms include increased urinary frequency, extremely heavy periods, abnormal bleeding between periods and unusual vaginal discharge.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in Southern Africa. lt has a high fatality rate as it is often difficult to detect during the early stages which don’t necessarily have signs and symptoms.

However, symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent urination, weak or interrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder, blood in urine or seminal fluid and the urge to urinate frequently at night. This type of cancer is usually detected through a PSA test or Direct Rectal Exam (D.R.E.) screening. — Online.