Cervical cancer screening declines due to pandemic

Tsakani – Pap smear screening for cervical cancer is available free of charge at the Philani Clinic at Pholosong Hospital.
The facility will be conducting screening and examinations from September 6 to 23.
The awareness campaign will also be tackling breast self-examination, high blood pressure and diabetes, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexually transmitted infections.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is commemorated annually in September to encourage women to screen to prevent cancer.
The goal of screening for cervical cancer is to find cervix cell changes and early cervical cancers before they cause symptoms.

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Research has shown an alarming decline in cervical cancer screening since the beginning of the pandemic, with people being fearful of contracting the virus at health facilities.
According to the clinical nurse practitioner at the facility, Doris Shilakwe, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in South Africa after breast cancer.
“Our awareness campaign aims to educate, promote and provide health services to the general public.
“What is important to understand is that this cancer is preventable.
“And that starts with regular check-ups.”

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She added that the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive at schools by the Department of Health will play a huge role in an attempt to fight this virus.
“HPV is responsible for 99% of cervical cancer cases.
“For this reason, health officials have been visiting schools across the country to administer the HPV vaccinations,” she said.
Screening is available for sexually active people, HIV-positive women and mothers, including new mothers (must have given birth six weeks prior) irrespective of age.
Services will be provided Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 14:00.

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