The Bane of Cervical Cancer

Within a flea’s wink you may notice your vagina feels really wet. It is not that time of the month; yet, out of nowhere you are soaked and dazed―much so that you rush to the bathroom just to be sure what you feel is not your monthly discharge or uncontrolled urine sneaking past the neck of your bladder.

If your check reveals an unusual vaginal bleeding or an unusual vaginal discharge accompanied by pelvic pains, then know that time is not on your side. It is time to see the gynae.

Vaginal bleeding and unusual vaginal discharge are early signs of cervical cancer, a doctor at the Reproductive Health Centre (RHC), Dr Kwaku Asah-Opoku has revealed.

This death-sentencing disease, according to him, steals the life of one woman every two minutes globally and every five hours in Ghana.

These alarming statistics were revealed at the launch of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign held at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra last week.

What is Cervical Cancer?

According to Dr. Asah-Opoku, cervical cancer is sexually transmitted and caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which accounts for about 99% of all cancers.

After the HPV comes into contact with the cervix, the cells on the surface of the cervix change in a way that leads to abnormal growth―birthing precancerous changes.

“If these precancerous changes do not revert, then it eventually leads to cervical cancer,” he noted.

Early stages of the disease can revert to normal within a matter of two years if patients report early to the clinics for treatment.

The cervix is located 3 to 6 inches inside the vagina, at the end of the vaginal tunnel. It is shaped like a small donut with a tiny hole in the centre.

Risk Factors

Women who have been predisposed to sex have a chance of acquiring the disease but the picture becomes gloomier if that woman has multiple sexual partners or if her partner has several partners.

A man whose partner has died from cervical cancer stands the chance of transferring the virus to his new partner.

According to Prof. A.T Lassey, President of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, “men are the reservoirs of the virus, so if a man thinks he is free from the bane, please a rethink is needed”.

Men who are sexually active are advised to do routine checks on their HPVs as well.

Prevention and treatment

“The first intervention available is vaccination of young girls age, 9 to 15 or older who are not sexually active and are negative of the disease,” Prof. Lassey said.

However, the Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry―University of Ghana, Prof. Margaret Y. M Lartey, says, “once you have had sexual intercourse, then using the vaccine is no longer your choice of prevention.”

For those who are sexually redisposed, the most efficient mode of prevention is to conduct frequent screening by checking for the presence of the HPV in the cervix.

This is done by a process called, PAP Smear. The test involves the collection of a sample of cells from a woman’s cervix which is later examined.

PAP smear over time has reduced incidence of cervical cancer by nearly 80% and death by 70% in developed countries, doctors have revealed.

Women who are reluctant to have a gynaecological examination could also adopt the self-sampling for HPV using pads, tampon or even a urine specimen which would be taken to the lab for further investigations.

Reducing the Burden

A panel discussion, one of the highlights of the event, sought to find out the ways to fight the disease.

To reduce the burden, doctors are advocating a more practical approach to combating the disease.

“We need to move beyond talking and take initiatives; we need to start something,” Dr Opoku submitted.

According to Dr Yanny, a Gynaecologist, advocacy has not been effective since patients still report to the hospital late when almost nothing can be done to save their lives.

“Advocacy must be taken to the districts…change the minds of the people, come clear on the use of alternative medicines…alternative medicine is not the solution. Let them know,” says Dr Yanny.

Other doctors on the panel also asked that cervical cancer be given a national backup. They have made a case for PAP Smear to be added to the National Health Insurance package.

According to them, it would help reduce the burden on women who cannot afford to pay for a pap smear.

HPV testing costs between GH¢120 and GH¢320. This is far beyond the reach of women, many of who cannot provide a three-square meal for their family.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]