Cervical Cancer – Screening, Treatment and Prevention in Kenya
Cervical cancer is a disease which affects the opening of the womb of a woman. It is caused by cell abnormalities in the lining of the cervix, a result of the Human papillomavirus (HPV). It is the fourth highest cause of cancer in women, and according to the WHO, in Kenya the fatality rate amongst women affected by cervical cancer is 67%. It is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in Kenya.
Looking for the best cervical cancer treatment in Kenya?
What are the risk factors/causes of Cervical Cancer?
As stated above, HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, which leads to cell abnormalities in the cervix. HPV is often spread through sexual intercourse, but in most cases, the infection is cleared from the body. In a small proportion of women, the infection remains, creating precancerous conditions which may lead to development of cervical cancer over many years. Factors associated with the onset of cervical cancer include:
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Infection with HPV eg warts.
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Early sex debut.
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Smoking.
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Multiple sexual partners.
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Repeated sexually transmitted diseases.
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Health conditions that lower one’s immunity eg.HIV
We also offer tailored cervical cancer treatment in Kenya depending on the actual cause after medical screening.
How do I prevent Cervical Cancer?
The good news is that cervical cancer can be easily detected in its precancerous state, and cervical cancer is known to be one of the only cancers which can be prevented before it develops using either/both vaccination and screening. Cervical cancer is known to take many years to advance from its precancerous phase, therefore early and regular screening as well as prevention(vaccination) is encouraged.
It is advised that women seek regular cervical cancer screening through Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and Visual Inspection with Lugol’s iodine (VIA/VILI) or pap smear. They are available at Jacaranda Maternity for women over the age of 21 years.
Cervical cancer prevention is possible through the HPV vaccine. It is available for 10-year-old girls at Jacaranda Maternity in Kenya.
For pregnant women, cervical cancer screening can be done during the 1st trimester.
For women who are HIV positive or immuno suppressed, It is advised to have cervical cancer screening at the point of diagnosis and for the screening to continue throughout their lifetime. Testing should take place after every 6 months if lesion found and treated, and annually if negative for cervical cancer lesion.
If screening results in detection at its precancerous state, treatment to prevent cervical cancer will usually involve treatment with cryotherapy, or LEEP when a patient is not eligible for cryotherapy. Other cervical cancer treatment in Kenya include cold knife conization and thermo-coagulation.
Please talk to our Jacaranda Maternity nurse or gynecologist at +254 731 999 077 for further information on cervical cancer screening, prevention, treatment or vaccination in Kenya..
For consultation please call @+254 731 999 077 or visit our clinic for services available 24*7.
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