NIGERIAN MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING – DR TOBORE ORJI
MYTH
I don’t need to get screened because cervical cancer doesn’t run in my family
FACT
Cervical cancer is sexually transmitted by HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS). As such the lack of family history is not a reason to skip screening.
MYTH
I don’t need to get screened because I don’t have any symptoms.
FACT
The screening test looks for abnormalities in seemingly healthy people, you shouldn’t wait until you are experiencing symptoms to get screened as cervical cancer can be asymptomatic.
MYTH
Cervical cancer cannot be prevented
FACT
Cervical cancer can be prevented with vaccination and regular screening tests (PAP SMEAR)
MYTH
Women who have received the HPV vaccine do not need PAP SMEAR
FACT
Regular pap smear is still necessary for women who received the HPV vaccine
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED A PAP SMEAR?
21-29 years – every 3 years
30-64 years – every 5 years.
Ages 65 and older – consult your doctor on the need to continue the test.
WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?
This is a type of cancer that affects the cervix (the part of the body that connects the vagina to the uterus in females).
HOW COMMON (EPIDERMOLOGY)
- Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women globally – WHO, 2018.
- However, it is the commonest genital tract malignancy and can be prevented and treated if detected early.
AETIOLOGY (what causes cervical cancer/how can one get cervical cancer).
Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS), which is sexually transmitted.
There are many types of HPV, some are asymptomatic, some cause genital wharves and others lead to cervical cancer.
PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER
- Girls aged 9-14years should receive HPV vaccination before they become sexually active
- Barrier methods of contraception should be used by people who do not have a constant partner
- Education about safe sexual practices
- Avoid smoking
SECONDARY PREVENTION (ALREADY SEXUALLY ACTIVE)
- Screen for cervical cancer by doing a “pap smear” every 3-5 years between age 21 and 65 years. (contact your health care provider for more information)
- Be faithful to one partner
- Avoid smoking
TERTIARY PREVENTION/TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF ALREADY DIAGNOSED CERVICAL CANCER
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Combination of surgery and radiotherapy
SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER/ HOW DO I KNOW IF I MAY HAVE CERVICAL CANCER
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between menses
- Bleeding after menopause
- No symptom (can be detected early by doing the “PAP SMEAR”.
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