Cansa launches cervical cancer awareness and support campaign

Cansa launched its cervical cancer awareness and support campaign on International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Day on March 4.

HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer in women, resulting in 300 000 deaths globally per annum.

Cansa aims to raise awareness of HPV and the link with cervical cancer by educating the public about the risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer while promoting early detection through screening. A further goal is to enable patients and their families to understand their rights within the public healthcare system and provide palliative support throughout treatment.

Why cervical cancer?
We are dedicated to the World Health Organization’s global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer.

Elize Joubert, Cansa CEO, stated the organisation is dedicated to educating women about one of the most preventable cancers.

“In Africa, cervical cancer is the cancer women die of most. This should not occur where vaccination against HPV and cancer screening is implemented correctly. As part of our 90th-anniversary milestone, Cansa is committed to providing pap smears to 9 000 women. We’ll also collaborate with partners in the healthcare sector, parents, schools and traditional leaders to educate women on how to lower the risk of cervical cancer and how to support those diagnosed with it,” Joubert said.

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma) among South African women. It’s caused primarily by infection with HPV, with strains 16 and 18 most frequently associated with the development of cervical cancer. HIV-infected women between the ages of 13 and 18 are at an increased risk for HPV infection and can be diagnosed with cervical cancer from the age of 15 to 49.

The National Department of Health’s Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Policy allows for women aged 30 years and older to have three pap smears in their lifetime at public health clinics at no cost. HIV-positive women are eligible for a pap smear at diagnosis and every three years thereafter if negative for cervical cancer.

Screening to lower the risk
“As part of our screening programme, Cansa makes use of the most trusted and clinically proven liquid-based cytology method when collecting a sample during a pap smear. Pap smears help us identify abnormal cells on the cervix (lower womb) caused by HPV, which can lead to cancer. Should the result indicate an abnormality, Cansa can help with a referral within the public healthcare sector or to a medical practitioner,” added Joubert.

Women aged 18 to 69 are encouraged to contact their Cansa Care Centre to make an appointment and to mark it as an annual event on their calendar. Women must not stay away when they receive abnormal results. Cervical cancer is highly treatable if caught in the early stages and treatment should start as soon as possible for optimum results.

Support
Joubert explained, “Women affected by cervical cancer need to know they are not alone and that there is hope when it comes to overcoming a diagnosis. We pledge to assist women who utilise our pap smear services as well as others diagnosed to help them understand and guide them through the process of further investigation, and, if necessary, a referral to a medical practitioner. We’re here to support, advocate for and educate cervical cancer patients to cope better with their diagnosis and understand how to access vital services for better treatment outcomes and to help ensure they have access to counselling and pain medication during treatment.”
Visit https://cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/cansa-tele-counselling-service/ for more.

Information supplied by Cansa.

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