Bell rings out cancer concerns

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ONE in 42 women in Zululand has cervical cancer.

This is the eye-opening statistic highlighted by Life Empangeni Private Hospital Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Jayeshnee Moodley, speaking to 300 female employees at Bell Equipment last Friday.

‘It is quite scary. This type of cancer is very common in our community.

‘In a group like this, approximately ten women would have cancer or would progress to cervical cancer.

‘This cancer arises from a sexually transmitted virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) – a virus that causes diseases in humans, ranging from common warts to cervical cancer.

‘It gets into the mouth of the womb and causes changes.
‘You will not see changes today or tomorrow, but 15 years down the line.

‘This is why we advocate pap smears because we pick up the changes before the cancer is found, thus preventing cancer.’

She strongly advised the women to ensure they get tested every one to two years.

‘Pap smears screen for any abnormalities and are therefore vital.

‘But if you are HIV+ then you need to go for a pap smear every six months owing to a lower immune system, which prevents the fighting of infections.’

Protect our girls
Moodley said anyone with young girls between nine and 13 years of age should be aware of the HPV vaccine used to provide immunity against the disease.

‘The HPV vaccine prevents the infection causing the cancer.

‘It is given in two doses six months apart and prevents cancer in your young girls for life.

She said the vaccination is being rolled out in government schools, but is also available at pharmacies.

‘We give it to the nine to 13-year age group because they are usually the girls who have not yet become sexually active and it prevents cancer in 95% of cases, which is really good.’

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