What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. It typically develops slowly over time, often starting with abnormal changes in the cells on the cervix, known as cervical dysplasia. These changes can eventually lead to cancer if not detected and treated early.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that are spread through sexual contact. While most HPV infections clear up on their own, persistent infections with high-risk strains can cause changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer.
Cervical cancer is often preventable through regular screening (such as Pap smears and HPV testing) and vaccination against HPV. If detected early, it can usually be treated effectively. However, if left undiagnosed and untreated, cervical cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become more difficult to treat.
Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern in Kenya, as it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. Below are some important statistics and information regarding cervical cancer in Kenya:
- Statistics in Kenya
In Kenya, cervical cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, approximately 5,200 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in Kenya.
Cervical cancer also has a high mortality rate in Kenya. It is estimated that approximately 3,000 women die from cervical cancer each year.
Cervical cancer primarily affects women in their 30s to 50s, though it can occur in younger women as well, even as young as adolescents. The risk of cervical cancer in Kenya is higher among women who do not have access to regular screening, those with multiple sexual partners, and those who have been infected with high-risk strains of HPV.
- Key Challenges
Lack of Awareness and Screening: Many women in Kenya lack awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of regular screenings such as Pap smears. Only a small percentage of women have access to or undergo regular cervical cancer screening.
Limited Access to Vaccination: While the HPV vaccine has been introduced in Kenya, its coverage remains limited, especially in rural areas. The vaccine is key in preventing the most common strains of HPV that lead to cervical cancer.
Health Infrastructure: The availability of diagnostic services and treatment options, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, is limited, particularly in rural areas. This can make early detection and treatment more challenging for many women.
- Prevention & Efforts in Kenya
HPV Vaccination Program: The Kenyan Ministry of Health, with support from international organizations, has been promoting the HPV vaccine, especially for girls aged 10 to 14 years as part of a national vaccination program. This is aimed at preventing HPV infections and reducing future cases of cervical cancer.
Screening Initiatives: The government and NGOs have initiated programs to improve access to cervical cancer screening, including the use of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), a cost-effective screening method that can be used in low-resource settings.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness about cervical cancer, its causes, and prevention methods, including regular screenings and vaccination, are underway.
Partnerships and Support: Several organizations, such as the Kenya Cancer Association (KENCASA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), are working with the Kenyan government to provide education, improve screening access, and promote the HPV vaccine.
- Global Statistics
- Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide.
- In 2020, there were approximately 604,000 new cases of cervical cancer globally.
- In 2023, it was estimated that there would be 14,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer in the U.S.
- It is responsible for around 342,000 deaths worldwide each year.
- The mortality rate has decreased significantly in countries with widespread access to screening and HPV vaccination programs.
- Cervical cancer is expected to cause about 4,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
- Prevention & Screening
HPV Vaccination: The introduction of the HPV vaccine has shown a marked reduction in cervical cancer rates in countries with high vaccination coverage. Studies show that HPV vaccination can prevent 70-90% of cervical cancers caused by the most common high-risk HPV types.
Screening Programs: Routine Pap smear testing has reduced cervical cancer rates by up to 80% in countries with widespread screening programs.
SURVIVAL RATES
Early Detection: When cervical cancer is detected early (stage 1), the 5-year survival rate is about 92%.
Advanced Stage: If diagnosed at an advanced stage (stage 4), the 5-year survival rate drops significantly, with only about 17% surviving.
- Conclusion
Cervical cancer in Kenya remains a significant public health issue, but there have been improvements in prevention through vaccination and awareness campaigns. Expanding access to screening, early detection, and treatment services, particularly in rural areas, is essential in reducing both the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Kenya.
Survival Cases in Kenya
Cervical cancer survival stories in Kenya are inspiring and serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of women battling this disease. While many women in Kenya face challenges due to limited access to healthcare, there are several instances where early detection, treatment, and support have led to successful recovery. Here are a few examples of survival stories that highlight hope and the power of awareness, early diagnosis, and medical intervention:
1.The Story of Ruth
Ruth was a young woman living in a rural part of Kenya when she began experiencing abnormal bleeding. After seeking medical help, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
However, because her cancer was caught at an early stage, Ruth was able to undergo treatment successfully. Ruth credits her survival to her decision to visit a local health facility after noticing the symptoms, and she is now an advocate for early screening and awareness about cervical cancer.
Ruth encourages women in rural areas to take advantage of available screenings and to seek medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms.
2.The Story of Alice
Alice was diagnosed with cervical cancer after undergoing a routine Pap smear during a public health campaign in Nairobi.
Though initially devastated, she went through treatment with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
With strong support from her family and the healthcare providers at a government hospital, Alice was able to beat the disease. Her survival story has inspired many, and she has since joined local advocacy groups to educate women about the importance of regular cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine.
3.The Story of Faith
Faith was a 35-year-old mother who discovered a lump and abnormal bleeding. After visiting a clinic in her village, she was referred to a larger hospital where she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Despite being told her cancer was at an advanced stage, Faith persisted with her treatment. Thanks to a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, Faith is now in remission.
She now advocates for increased access to cancer treatment and resources for rural women, particularly in areas where healthcare facilities are scarce.
Impact of the Survival Stories
These stories of survival are crucial for raising awareness about cervical cancer in Kenya, where many women may not be aware of the disease’s early signs, the importance of screening, or the availability of treatment options.
They serve as beacons of hope for others who may be facing similar diagnoses, and they stress the importance of regular health check-ups, screenings, and early intervention.
These survivors often use their voices to advocate for more accessible healthcare services, including the expansion of cervical cancer screening and vaccination programs, particularly in rural areas, where access to healthcare is limited.
In Kenya, where cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, these survival stories remind the community of the importance of awareness, early detection, and access to appropriate healthcare, offering hope to those affected by this disease.
- Key Takeaways
- Regular screening is crucial for women starting at age 21, and it continues until age 65.
- HPV vaccination, which is recommended for girls and boys around ages 11 to 12 (and up to age 26 for those not vaccinated earlier), can greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer later in life.
- Who to see
- General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor
- Gynaecologist
- Nurse or Clinical Officer who are trained to carry out cervical cancer screening
- Oncologist (if diagnosed with cancer)
- Where can you get screened
- Public health clinics or local hospitals often offer screening services, especially in countries with national screening programs.
- Specialized cancer centres or women’s health clinics can also provide more comprehensive screenings and follow-up care.
It’s important to choose a provider who makes you feel comfortable and is experienced in cervical cancer prevention and care.
- Writted by : Angela Moraa