YOU can prevent CERVICAL CANCER!

Some of the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer: Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding; Vaginal Discharge, Foul Smelling; Pain During Sexual Intercourse; Lower Back, Pelvic or Appendix Pain; Loss of Appetite or Unexplained Weight Loss.

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women after breast cancer. Over 99% of all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection of high risk types of HPV. Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) is a group of more than 100 related viruses. About 40 types are sexually transmitted while mostly 2 types (16 & 18) are considered high risk in South Africa.

The Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) vaccination protects girls from being infected by HPV and reduces the risk of developing HPV related cervical cancer later in life. The younger a girl is, the better her body’s immune system can respond to the vaccine. Contact your child’s school or local health facility to find out more about the annual campaign to vaccinate young girls.

A PAP SMEAR is a reliable screening test for the early detection of cervical cancer (a swab of cervical cells). Go for Pap Smears at least every 3 years from the age of 25. Contact your local health facility or gynaecologist to find out more.