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Writer's pictureAlta Withers

Understanding Cervical Cancer: Your Guide to Prevention and Early Detection


Cervical Cancer awareness month September 2023 blog by Dr Alta Withers

Introduction September is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and as a doctor, I want to take this opportunity to shed light on a pressing health issue that affects women in South Africa. Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, but it continues to claim lives due to a lack of awareness and timely screening. In this blog post, we'll delve into the prevalence of cervical cancer in South Africa, prevention strategies, the importance of regular screenings according to the World Health Organization (WHO), South African guidelines, and the role of HPV testing and cervical cytology in early detection.


Cervical Cancer in South Africa: The Reality Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern in South Africa. According to recent statistics, it ranks as the second most common cancer among South African women, with approximately 6,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Sadly, around 3,000 women lose their lives to this disease annually. But the good news is that cervical cancer is highly preventable and can be successfully treated when detected early.


Prevention is Key

Vial of HPV vaccine
  1. HPV Vaccination: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV is available for young girls and boys, ideally before they become sexually active. It's a powerful tool in preventing cervical cancer.

  2. Safe Sex Practices: Practicing safe sex by using condoms consistently and limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of HPV infection.

  3. Smoking Cessation: Smoking is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Quitting smoking not only benefits your overall health but also lowers your risk of this cancer.

  4. Regular Pap Smears and HPV Testing: Screening for cervical cancer is crucial. Both cervical cytology (Pap smear) and HPV testing are suitable screening methods in South Africa.


Screening Guidelines

Screening for cervical cancer by Dr Alta Withers

The WHO and South African guidelines recommend the following:

  1. Start Early: Initiate cervical screening at the age of 25 years, or at the time of diagnosis of HIV if earlier.

  2. Age Matters: Between the ages of 30 and 49, screening should be done every five years. After the age of 50, you can reduce screening to every ten years if you've had three consecutive negative screenings.

  3. Regular Check-ups: It's essential to maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to stay on top of your cervical health.


Why Regular Screening and HPV Testing is Crucial Early detection is key to successfully treating cervical cancer. Many women with early-stage cervical cancer have no symptoms, which is why regular screenings and HPV testing are so vital. Detecting and treating precancerous changes and high-risk HPV strains can prevent the disease from progressing to an advanced stage.


Conclusion Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, and the guidelines provided by the WHO and South African healthcare authorities are designed to help you stay ahead of this condition. Take your cervical health seriously, and remember, regular screenings and HPV testing can save lives. By spreading awareness and encouraging early detection through regular screenings and choosing the most suitable test, we can reduce the burden of cervical cancer in South Africa. Let's make this September count in the fight against cervical cancer!


Please remember that this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on cervical cancer prevention and screening.





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