Cervical Cancer Treatment
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the cervix. It’s one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer if it’s detected early and managed effectively. Cervical cancer treatment services in Kenya are available at KUTRRH
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common sexually transmitted infection that can harm the throat, genitalia, and skin. Nearly everyone who engages in sexual activity will contract the infection at some point in their lives; often, there are no symptoms. The immune system typically eliminates HPV from the body. High-risk HPV infection that persists can lead to the development of aberrant cells that eventually turn into cancer.
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 604 000 new cases in 2020.
Cervical Cancer and HIV
Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to the general population, and an estimated 5% of all cervical cancer cases are attributable to HIV. Because younger women are disproportionately affected by HIV, 20% of children whose mothers die from cancer do so because of cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer and HPV
95% of cervical cancers are caused by persistent HPV infection of the cervix, which is the lowest part of the uterus or womb that enters into the vagina, also known as the birth canal, if treatment is not received. Normal cells turn into cancer over a period of 15–20 years, but in women with compromised immune systems—such as those with untreated HIV—this process can happen more quickly, taking only 5–10 years.
The grade of oncogenicity of the HPV type, immunological state, the number of births, the age at first pregnancy, the use of hormonal contraceptives, smoking, and the presence of other STDs are risk factors for the progression of cancer.
Eradicating Cervical Cancer
We can eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue in a few generations through prevention, screening, and treatment. A medical professional may check for alterations in the cervix, such as precancers, which could progress to cervical cancer if treatment is not received following a positive HPV test result or other screening technique.
Cervical cancer can be avoided with a straightforward precancer treatment process. Treatment can be provided on the same visit (see and treat approach) or following a second test (see, triage and treat approach, the latter of which is particularly advised for women who are HIV positive.
Symptoms of cervical Cancer
See a doctor straight away if you experience:
- Irregular bleeding between periods, after menopause or after sexual intercourse
- Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Persistent pain in the back, legs or pelvis
- Weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite.
- vaginal discomfort
- swelling of legs.
Prevention And Treatment Of Cervical Cancer
Girls between the ages of 9 and 14 should get the HPV vaccination. This guards against HPV infection, which has been linked to the emergence of cervical cancer and other diseases associated with HPV. A single dose of the safe HPV vaccine is administered to young females.
Screening must be done promptly. Cervical cancer can be effectively treated if discovered early. Since HPV can lead to cervical cancer, it is crucial to get routine screening starting around the age of thirty. Women who do not test positive for HPV should get another screening every ten to fifteen years.
After the age of 25, women with HIV should have screening for HPV every three years. A minimum of two lifetime screenings are encouraged by the worldwide strategy, with a high-performance HPV test recommended by age 35 and another by age 45.
Precancer treatments are brief, usually painless, and rarely result in problems. Colposcopy, or visual inspection of the cervix, is a method of diagnosis and treatment that involves locating and evaluating the lesion followed by:
- Thermal ablation, which involves using a heated probe to burn off cells.
- Cryotherapy, which involves using a cold probe to freeze off the cells.
- LEETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone), which involves removing your abnormal tissues with an electrically heated loop; and/or
- a cone biopsy, which involves using a knife to remove a cone-shaped wedge of tissue.
Cervical Cancer Treatment Services In Kenya At KUTRRH
We ensure that the patient is referred quickly and is assisted in navigating the process of receiving a diagnosis and making treatment decisions, management pathways for invasive cancer care.
Our quality patient centred cancer treatment care includes:
- A multidisciplinary team ensures diagnosis and staging (histological testing, pathology, imaging) takes place prior to treatment decisions.
- Treatment decisions are in line with national guidelines; and
- Interventions are supported by holistic psychological, spiritual, physical and palliative care.