Two prevalent cancers, breast and cervical cancer, are affecting the quality of life of women in South Africa.
In terms of deaths, breast cancer is said to account for 16% and cervical cancer for 0,9%.
The impact of these two cancers has prompted South African healthcare provider Dis-Chem to raise awareness. The cervical cancer campaign is ongoing during September, with the focus on breast cancer during October.
The aim is to encourage women to do examinations and have screenings conducted as part of their early detection practices. Cervical cancer screenings detect cell changes in the cervix and early cervical cancer before these cause symptoms.
“Cervical and breast cancer can be treated successfully if detected early enough, so it is vital for women to be aware of the symptoms, and screen regularly,” said Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem clinic executive.
She said breast cancer had affected 27 in 100 000 women in South Africa.
“The numbers continue to escalate to about 13 960 new cases,” said Kruger.
Cervical cancer is linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, mostly found in 15 to 59-year-old men and women.
Kruger explained that this type of infection could develop into other health issues, most commonly genital warts in men, which can lead to penile and anal cancer. Men and women can receive a vaccine against genital warts or the different types of HPV as soon as they become sexually active.
“Over 40 types of HPV can infect the genital area, as well as the mouth and throat, and are spread during sexual contact,” said Kruger.
Anyone interested in undergoing a cervical cancer screening can dial 0861-117-427, send an email to clinicqueries@dischem.co.za, or make a booking via the Dis-Chem app.
According to the World Organization Health, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among
women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths
worldwide.
– Lekhotso Tau
