Cervical cancer remains an important public health problem in developing countries where over 80% of the global burden occurs annually.
In a polygamous country like Ghana with high incidence of cervical cancer but no national screening program, the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV vaccine has presented a unique opportunity to reduce the cases of HPV infection and cervical cancer in Ghanaian women.
Ghana this year begun a demonstration project vaccinating girls against human papilloma virus which is the leading cause of cervical cancer in Africa.
Cervical cancer is a disease that affects the cervix in the female reproductive system. Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV which can be transmitted by having sexual intercourse with someone who has it. In under developed countries, cervical cancer is the highest leading cause of cancer related death in women.
Symptoms of cervical cancer usually begin to appear as the disease progresses with abnormal vaginal bleeding including post coital bleeding. Some women may experience pain during sexual intercourse, however this can be common and unrelated to cervical cancer.
Pelvic pain and heavy vaginal discharge are also symptoms of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer risk factors include having sex at an early age, smoking cigarettes, having multiple sex partners and having a weakened immune system. These risk factors only increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer, they do not guarantee one will develop it.
The first step in diagnosing cervical cancer is through the Pap smear which is a simple test that allows cervical cells to be examined under a microscope. Cervical cancer may be treated with surgery such as hysterectomy. Other forms of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cervical cancer, so the earlier it is diagnosed the easier it is to treat.
Women above 21 years of age are advised to have regular Pap tests to prevent cervical cancer and also getting two HPV vaccines that protect females against the types of HPV that causes most cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. These vaccines are recommended for 11 and 12 year old girls, and females 13 through to 26 years who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger.
Women are advised to visit their nearest health centers for regular Pap tests which are being done for free across the continent.
HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.
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