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Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Key facts you should know

Health
 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Key facts you should know (Photo: iStock)

Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, yet it continues to affect many women around the world, including Kenya. Despite advancements in medicine and the availability of vaccines, it’s unfortunate that more awareness and proactive measures aren’t in place to combat this issue. For many women, cervical cancer remains a serious threat due to a lack of information or access to necessary care.

Its primary cause is persistent infection with certain high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted sexually. Out of more than 200 strains of HPV, about 14 are considered high-risk for cervical cancer, with types 16 and 18 causing nearly 70% of cases worldwide. While most HPV infections clear up naturally within two years, some persist and cause changes in cervical cells that, if untreated, can develop into invasive cancer.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, an estimated 660,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 350,000 women died from the disease. Alarmingly, the highest incidence of these deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries where access to screening and treatment is limited.

In Kenya, the burden is particularly heavy. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, after breast cancer, and it’s the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women aged 15 to 44.

According to the Kenya: Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2023, annually, more than 5,200 women in Kenya are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 3,200 lose their lives to it.

While HPV is the main cause, certain factors increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Starting sexual activity at a young age increases exposure to the virus, and having multiple sexual partners raises the chances of contracting high-risk strains.

Also, women with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, are particularly vulnerable to persistent infections. Smoking has also been linked to abnormal changes in cervical cells. Without regular screening, early-stage cervical cancer often goes unnoticed, as it develops silently without symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they may include unusual vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods, or post-menopause), abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and persistent pelvic discomfort. Unfortunately, these signs typically appear only after the cancer has progressed, making prevention and early detection essential.

The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable. Vaccination against HPV is a highly effective way to reduce infection risk. In 2019, Kenya’s government introduced the HPV vaccine, offering it free of charge to girls aged 9 to 14. The vaccine is administered in two doses, six months apart, and provides strong protection against the virus.

Regular screening is another critical tool in the fight against cervical cancer. Pap smears, which detect abnormal cervical cells, are recommended every three years for women aged 21 to 65. For women aged 30 and above, HPV testing often combined with Pap smears is advised to identify high-risk infections early.

Lifestyle choices can also help prevent cervical cancer. Practising safe sex reduces the risk of HPV transmission while avoiding smoking lowers the chances of developing cervical abnormalities. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can strengthen the immune system, offering additional protection against infections.

Raising awareness is essential in combating cervical cancer. Public health campaigns bust myths and inspire women to prioritise cervical health. In 2020, WHO launched the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative aimed to reduce the disease’s incidence to fewer than four cases per 100,000 women by 2030. This goal depends on vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, screening 70% of women at least twice in their lives, and treating 90% of those diagnosed with cervical disease.

Kenya is making progress toward these targets. Efforts to expand vaccination coverage and improve access to screening services are ongoing, driven by collaborations between the government and non-governmental organizations. However, challenges remain, particularly in reaching rural and underserved areas.

Cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a silent killer. By focusing on vaccination, regular screening, and education, we can empower women to take charge of their health and significantly reduce the impact of this preventable disease. Every woman deserves the chance to live free from the shadow of cervical cancer.

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