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2008 SERIES

EPISODE 16 - Cervical cancer

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Early testing can save your life. Twice.

Although it is almost entirely curable, cervical cancer is still responsible for more deaths amongst women than any other type of cancer. Because the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes the lesions that may result in cervical cancer, is sexually transmitted women seem reluctant to talk about it. This is not ideal because HIV positive women are more likely to be infected with HPV because of their weakened immune systems and this can and does lead to cervical cancer.

This week Siyayinqoba Beat It! discusses this serious illness in depth and shows what can be done to prevent it.  Joining Shalom and the support group is Dr Nomonde Mbatini.  Our first insert comes to us from the Eastern Cape where meet Khungiswa who is living with both HIV and cervical cancer.  We find out that she counsels others living with HIV and advises all women to go for regular pap smears. Khungiswa goes on to say that because she didn't undergo regular pap smears her biopsy revealed the cancer had spread.  Back in the studio we find out the alarming rates of cervical cancer affecting women and - as HPV is an opportunistic disease - particularly those with HIV.  The emphasis is again placed on the importance of having pap smears done regularly, at least every six months if you're living with HIV.

Our next story takes us to Khayelitsha in the Western Cape to join Nokubonga as she goes for a visit to the local clinic to get a pap smear.  We hear how Nokubonga was afraid to have a pap smear done sooner. After a nurse explains the process to her we see Nokubonga undergoing the procedure. It wasn't at all how she had expected it to be, it was in fact quick and painless. Nokubonga's sentiments are echoed back in the studio where the stigma attached to pap smears is discussed.

Groote Schuur Hospital is our final stop. We speak to Dr Mbatini who explains what the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is and how it can lead to cervical cancer.  HPV is entirely undetectable as there are no symptoms so it can only be detected by going for a pap smear.  Vaccines at the moment are expensive and only available in the private sector.

The show drives home the message that all women, but especially those living with HIV, should regularly have pap smears done. Similar to early HIV testing, early screening for cervical cancer can and does save lives. We should all encourage regular pap smears because we cannot give women the tools to beat HIV in their lives only to let them then develop cervical cancer that may threaten their lives.

IT'S A FACT

Khungiswa in hospital

Nokubonga Yawa and Luvuyo Nibe

Dr Nomonde Mbatini

PAP smear preparation

 Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus called Human Papilloma Virus or HPV for short.
HPV often has no symptoms but over time it can cause lesions in the lining of the cervix which can lead to cervical cancer.
Developing countries bear the biggest burden of cervical cancer taking 80% of the global burden with and estimated 468 000 new cases and 233 000 deaths in 2000.
Cervical cancer, the most common cancer in women is preventable, detectable and curable. If nothing is done the burden of cervical cancer will double by 2020.
To prevent cervical cancer from developing you can have a PAP smear which examines the cervix for any signs of the lesions.
The procedure involved in PAP smears is painless. The procedure should be properly explained to you.
If lesions are found, they can be removed in a very simple painless procedure. This will prevent the development of cervical cancer.
A person living with HIV is at greater risk of the development of cervical cancer. This is because HPV can take advantage of a weakened immune system which allows HPV to develop quicker than in someone with a healthy immune system.
It is recommended that HIV negative women have their first PAP smear 3 years after their sexual debut and from then on every 3 to 5 years.
In people who are HIV positive it is recommended that an annual PAP smear should be conducted.
Co-infection with HIV results in increased persistent HPV infection and a 40 fold increase in cervical cancer.
Previously many women died of AIDS before HPV and cervical cancer could become a problem. Now with many women on antiretrovirals and living longer, the high rate of HPV infection is becoming visible and many women are succumbing to cervical cancer.
We cannot allow women to beat HIV and then develop cervical cancer. To prevent this we need to encourage all women testing HIV positive to have a regular PAP smear and to address HPV before developing cervical cancer.