As the world commemorates cervical cancer awareness month, the World Health Organisation (WHO), has called on the public to reinforce the need to always get vaccinated, screened and be treated if found positive.
January is recognised as the Cervical Cancer Month to raise awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes it, and the importance of screening and vaccination.
WHO in a statement to commemorate the day said it’s essential to shed light on a critical health issue that affects millions of women worldwide.
It stressed that cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in women and can be prevented or treated if detected early.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It’s caused by the abnormal growth of cells on the cervix, which can invade deeper into the cervix and surrounding tissues.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is known to be the major cause of cervical cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection that causes almost all cervical cancer cases.
Human papillomavirus is a type of virus that is commonly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and can be classified into low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV. The high-risk HPV causes abnormal cell changes that can lead to cancer including cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, oropharyngeal and vaginal cancers.
WHO in their fight against cervical cancer has introduced HPV vaccine to help curb this surging disease in women. It noted that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective and protects against cervical cancer, and that they are highly effective at preventing infection with type 16 and 18.
According to the WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide, with around 660,000 new cases in 2022.
In the same year, about 94 percent of the 350,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer occurred in low and middle-income countries. It added that over 500,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
WHO, while reiterating that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, recommends that all girls should be vaccinated with one or two doses of the HPV vaccine adding that it will reduce the chance of getting cervical cancer later in life. It further stated that the bottom line remains, “get informed, get screened, and get vaccinated.”
It also highlighted four facts about the HPV vaccine; it protects against HPV- the virus that causes more than 95% of cervical cancer cases; it has been in use for over 18 years; it is constantly monitored and safe; it is highly effective, even after a single dose.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
The primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. It can affect the skin, genital areas, and throat. The National Center Institute explained that in most cases the immune system clears HPV from the body. But persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.
It added that there are 12 types of high-risk strains of HPV, but only a few high-risk strains, such as HPV 16 and 18, are responsible for most cervical cancer cases. Other risk factors include: early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, weakened immune system, and family history of cervical cancer.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
WHO pointed out that in the early stages, cervical cancer often has no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, women may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex or between periods, pelvic pain or discomfort during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, pain in the lower back or pelvis, and fatigue, weight loss, or loss of appetite.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
The global health leader stated that as of 2023, there are 6 HPV vaccines available globally, noting that all protect against the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancer.
“As a priority, HPV vaccines should be given to all girls aged 9-14 years, before they become sexually active. The vaccine may be given as 1 or 2 doses. People with reduced immune systems should ideally receive 2 or 3 doses. Some countries have chosen to vaccinate boys to further reduce the prevalence of HPV in the community and to prevent cancer in men caused by HPV,” WHO explained.
It further added that prevention could also be abstinence from smoking, voluntary male circumcision, regular Pap tests to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix, allowing for early treatment and prevention of cancer, practicing safe sex by use of condoms.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer has treatment options when detected early, it could be treated by surgery to remove the cancerous tissue or the entire cervix. It could be treated by radiation therapy; using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It could be treated by chemotherapy; using medication to kill cancer cells and by immunotherapy; using medications to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.
Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, but it requires awareness, education, and action, hence, the need for this article. This January, WHO encourages that women should take the time to learn more about cervical cancer, get vaccinated, and schedule a Pap test if due for one.