By Sarah Nkansah BOATENG
Happy New Year! The start of a new year always feels like a fresh beginning, filled with hope and possibility. How fitting it is that as we open the door to another chapter!
We also take a moment to honour a part of our body that quite literally serves as a gateway; the cervix.
This small but mighty structure plays a crucial role in the reproductive system, and it’s only right that we begin the year focusing on cervical cancer awareness. As a midwife, I have seen first-hand the power of early detection.
I once cared for a woman who came in for a routine check-up. She had no symptoms but during her screening, we detected abnormal cells. With timely treatment, she avoided what could have developed into cervical cancer.
Understanding cervical cancer
Cervical cancer originates in the cells lining the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The primary culprit? Persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. While HPV is ubiquitous, not all infections lead to cancer. The body clears most HPV infections naturally.
The numbers speak boldly
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 600,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, with more than 340,000 women losing their lives to the disease.
In low- and middle-income countries, cervical cancer accounts for nearly 90 percent of all new cases and deaths due to limited access to vaccines, screenings and treatments.
In Ghana, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Yet, when detected early and treated promptly, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 92 percent for localised cases. This underscores the importance of awareness and accessible healthcare.
Recognise the symptoms
Early-stage cervical cancer often has no symptoms, making regular screenings critical. However, advanced stages may present with:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods or post-menopause.
- Unusual discharge with a foul smell.
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Prevention is powerful
Get the HPV vaccination. It’s recommended for girls and boys aged 9-14 before they become sexually active. For those up to age 26 (and sometimes beyond), the vaccine still offers significant protection.
Go for routine screening. Pap smears and HPV tests can detect pre-cancerous changes early. Women aged 21-29 should have a Pap smear every three years, while those aged 30-65 benefit from combining Pap smears with HPV tests every five years.
Adopt good lifestyle choices. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer by impairing the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infections. Quitting smoking and practising safe sex can reduce risks significantly.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is preventable, and no woman should lose her life to a disease that we can defeat together. Encourage the women in your life to schedule their screenings. Advocate for HPV vaccination programmes in your community. Share information, because awareness saves lives!
