By Sharon Situate

January, being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, is crucial for highlighting this silent yet widespread threat to women’s well-being and continuously addressing socio-economic barriers to accessing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Education, alongside increased government funding for comprehensive healthcare systems, should also be addressed as a critical component in strengthening a healthier and more equitable society.

Cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in women globally, occurs as the growth of cells that start in the cervix. Almost all cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus commonly transmitted through sexual contact.

According to WHO, women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to those without HIV. It is noteworthy that cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44, with the average age at diagnosis being 50.

However, the highest rates of incidence and mortality occur in low- and middle-income countries, reflecting major inequities driven by a lack of access to national HPV vaccination, cervical screening, treatment services, and social and economic determinants.

In Kenya, with a population of 16.8 million women at risk of developing cervical cancer, every year sees 5236 new diagnoses and 3211 deaths. Despite the Ministry of Health’s initiative to provide free HPV vaccines, many young people remain unaware or hold misconceptions, limiting vaccine uptake.

WHO reports a lack of HPV testing in public facilities in Kenya, with over 90% using visual inspection methods and the rest relying on pap smears, constrained by workforce availability and infrastructure. Financial constraints further hinder young girls and women from regular pap smears, considering the high cost of cervical cancer treatment.

Recognising symptoms and promptly seeking medical advice are critical steps in the early detection of cervical cancer.

Women should consult a healthcare professional if they observe the signs. It’s sad that many young girls and women, especially those from low-income areas, lack access to this crucial information.

Limited awareness and education contribute to delayed diagnoses and hinder timely medical intervention. Comprehensive sexuality education plays an essential role in bridging this information gap.

By providing accessible and accurate information about cervical cancer symptoms, risks, and preventive measures, comprehensive sexuality education empowers young girls and women to make informed decisions about their health.

This education not only aids in early detection but also fosters a culture of proactive healthcare-seeking behaviour, ultimately contributing to the prevention of cervical cancer in vulnerable communities when these girls grow to a higher-risk age.

The American Cancer Society highlights the effectiveness of Pap tests in reducing cervical cancer by detecting changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It is emphasised that more than 20% of cervical cancer cases are found in women over 65, underscoring the importance of regular screenings.

The five-year survival rate for women with any stage of cervical cancer is estimated to be approximately two-thirds, showcasing the significance of early detection. Cancer Research UK further provides survival statistics, indicating that around 80% survive for one year or more, 60% for five years or more, and around 50% for ten years or more after diagnosis.

To address these challenges, it is important for governments and international organisations to prioritise subsidising or providing free pap smears just like vaccinations, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions. Regular screenings, including Pap tests, should be made more accessible through low-cost programs.

Education empowers women with knowledge about causes, symptoms, and prevention, thereby encouraging timely check-ups. Additionally, recognising the impact of poverty, community-based healthcare programs, mobile clinics, and basic health services must be established to ensure equitable access to screenings and treatment.

Increased government funding can significantly lower cervical cancer rates, including but not limited to investing in comprehensive sexuality education. Creating awareness of vaccine availability, dispelling myths about vaccines, and reducing pap smear rates can be achieved through government initiatives that push to end cervical cancer.

The fight against cervical cancer, however, requires that we collectively join our efforts in the fight against it and leave no one behind.

Sharon Sitati, Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocate, CSA Kenya