Cervical cancer is a cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is a common sexually transmitted infection is the primary underlying cause of Cervical Cancer. Less than 5% of women infected with HPV ultimately develop Cervical Cancer if they have no access to treatment. Everyone will get Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections at some point, most HPV go away on their own but some can lead to cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer if caught at an early.83 percent of new cases are in developing countries; in most of these countries, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
According to WHO more than 300,000 women die from cervical cancer every year. This is due in part to the lack of effective screening programmes to: Detect Cervical Cancer before it becomes clinically apparent.
Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer:
- Unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause, or following sexual intercourse.
- Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis.
- Weight loss, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
- Vaginal discomfort and bleeding after sex
- Swelling in the legs.
Don’t let cervical cancer stop you. It is time to end cervical cancer by:
- GET INFORMED
- Find out about cervical cancer and HPV that causes it.
- GET SCREENED
- Pap smear and HPV DNA testing detects pre-cancerous changes of the cervix in need of treatment before they progress to invasive cancer.
- If you have a cervix you should begin screening at the age of 21.
- Cervical Cancer Screening should begin within 3 years after a Woman begins sexual activity.
- Regular screening is crucial to detect changes in the cervix that could, if untreated, develop into cancer.
- GET VACCINATED
- The HPV vaccine is safe, most effective and protects against cervical cancer. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. Parents, Ensure Vaccination: Protect your girls aged 9 to 14 with the HPV vaccine. It’s a crucial step in safeguarding their future health
Research shows that the incidence of invasive cervical cancer in the <25 years age group is very low in most Countries. It increases at about age 35-40 years and reaches a maximum at about age 50 to 60 years.
Remember if you are 30 or older; prioritize an annual cervical cancer screening for early detection. Cervical cancer can be effectively treated if identified and addressed in its early stages.
At Scanlab Center Nakuru we are supporting the fighters, admiring survivors and honouring the departed.
We are offering ALL cervical cancer screening (Pap smear and HPV DNA testing) at a discounted rate.
Detect early save lives! Come one Come All!