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Cervical Cancer FAQ

Frequently asked questions

1. What is cervical cancer?

  • Cervical cancer is a disease of the opening of the womb, also known as the cervix
  • Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in Kenya
  • At least 9 women die in Kenya every day from cervical cancer
  • Any woman can get cervical cancer

2. What causes cervical cancer?

  • Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with one or more of the high-risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
  • 7 out of 10 of all cervical cancer cases reported throughout the world are caused by only two types of HPV: 16 and 18
  • Human papilloma virus, or HPV, is a common sexually transmitted viral infection among men and women
    • 4 out of 5 people will have at least one type of HPV infection during their lifetime
    • Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms, so most people  never know they are infected

3. What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of getting a disease. Any woman can get cervical cancer but some women are at a higher risk because of factors such as 

  • Co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections
  • Immuno-suppression due to HIV/AIDS infection
  • Tobacco use
  • Having a sexual partner who has multiple sexual partners
  • Having multiple sexual partners
  • Start of sexual activity at an early age

4. What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

  • In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are often no symptoms
  • The longer a woman has cervical cancer without treatment, the more likely she will have symptoms. Some of the symptoms of later stage cervical cancer can include:
    • Pain during sex or urination
    • Pelvic pain of backache
    • Abnormal vaginal discharge that maybe watery, bloody or heavy and have a foul odor
    • Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge (more than usual)
    • Vaginal bleeding during or after sex between periods or after a pelvic exam
    • Vaginal bleeding after menopause

5. Is cervical cancer preventable?

Yes, cervical cancer is preventable through

  • Routine screening for women of reproductive age and treatment of precancerous lesions
  • Immunization of girls which works by protecting girls from the infection that causes cervical cancer

6. Where can a woman get screened in Kenya?

Screening is available at County health facilities ,private facilities and Faith based hospitals.

7. What are the screening methods available for cervical cancer?

There are three screening tests that can help to detect cervical cancer before it develops:

a). The HPV DNA Test- this looks for HPV (the virus) that can cause pre-cancerous cell changes and cervical cancer. It identifies women at high risk for cervical cancer who may need to be treated to prevent cervical cancer. It is recommended for women above 30years of age

b). The Pap smear (Pap test)- this looks for pre-cancers or cell changes, on the cervix that can be treated. It is recommended as the primary screening method in omen under the age of 30 years and women above the age of 50 years

c).The VIA (Visual inspection with acetic acid)Test- this inspects the cervix using acetic acid (distilled vinegar) to identify abnormal changes on the cervix. It is recommended where HPV testing is not available

8. How often should cervical cancer screening be done?

  • For HIV negative women-every 5 years
  • For HIV positive women-every year
  • Women should talk with their health care provider to decide what is best for them

9. What if a woman’s test is abnormal ?

  • Cervical cancer is the easiest to treat when found early 
  • women who screen positive or are found, upon further evaluation, to have abnormal results should be referred  for timely treatment

10. How is cervical cancer treated ?

  • Treatment of pre-cancerous cells
    • it takes approximately 10 minutes using different methods such as cryotherapy (freezing off the pre-cancerous cells) or thermo-coagulation (heating the cells)
    • The procedures are quick and painless
  • Treatment of cervical cancer 
    • Treatment of cervical cancer maybe through surgery, Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy or a combination of these depending on the stage of the cervical cancer
    • Women maybe eligible for treatment through NHIF