Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer happens when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way and eventually form a growth (tumour).

Cervix is a cylinder-shaped neck of tissue that connects the vagina and uterus.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer happens when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way and eventually form a growth (tumour).

How common is cervical cancer?

In Kenya, cervical cancer contributes 5,250 (12.9%) of the new cancer cases annually and 3,286 (11.84%) of all cancer deaths annually.

Risk factors and causes

A risk factor is anything that increases the chances of getting a disease. Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean you will get cervical cancer.

Symptoms

In early disease there may be no symptoms hence it is advisable to have regular cervical cancer screening.

Diagnosis

When you notice a change that is not normal or have any of the above symptoms it is advisable to see a doctor.

Stages & Treatment

Staging of cancer describes where the cancer is located, if it has spread & whether it’s affecting other body organs.

Recurrent cancer

Cervical cancer can come back either in the pelvis where it began or spread to other areas throughout the body e.g lungs, liver, lymph nodes, brain & bones.

Screening

Screening programmes continue to have a vital role, allowing for early detection and treatment in order to achieve a maximal impact on cervical cancer prevention.

HPV Vacccination

Human Papilloma Virus is the primary cause of 99.7% of all cervical cancers and is sexually transmitted.