Did you know that cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide? In the spirit of World Cervical Health Awareness, we’ve decided to give you some facts and tips that you need to know to safeguard your health and those you love.
Facts about Cervical Cancer
- If discovered at an early stage and treated promptly, cervical cancer can be cured.
- Zimbabwe has one of the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer in the world. The govermnent has since started vaccinating girls between the ages of 10 and 14 against HPV.
- The highest rates of the illness are found in low and middle-income countries. This reflects major inequities driven by economic hardships.
- Cervical cancer is caused by consistent infection with the HPV virus and women living with HIV are at higher risk of getting it than those living without it.
- Risk factors for cancer progression include smoking, presence of other STIs, first pregnancy at young age, hormonal contraceptives etc.
Prevention
- Getting vaccinated for HPV between the ages of 9 and 14.
- Screening from the age of 30 or 25 for those living with HIV to detect precancers and cervical disease, which can be treated to avoid cancer.
- Taking note of any symptoms and getting a diagnosis at an early stage.
- Stopping smoking.
- Practicing safe sex.
Symptoms
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Pain or bleeding during intercourse
- Changes in discharge like a different colour or stronger smell.
- Watery, bloody discharge.
Cervical cancer rarely has any visible symptoms and testing is the best method of prevention. However if you experience these symptoms and they persist, seek medical help. Share this to all your friends, family members and sisters so they have the knowledge to protect themselves.
