Liamify

This is a first for me....on a hot and sunny afternoon like today, I never knew that a taxi could accomodate 7 people. Three people in front, with one having the gearbox in between his legs. We at the back are jam-packed between the doors, bedraggled by our own 'armpit grease' on a long winding dusty gravel road. But the master says "Occupy till I come."

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER? Beyond a woman’s vagina is the cervix which opens into the uterus (womb). The cervix is lined with cells. Cancer of the cervix or cervical cancer occurs when these cells change or start to grow abnormally and gain the ability of invading other body organs. This change from normal to becoming cancerous cells can take place over 10-20 years or more. More than 90% of cervical cancer patients are also usually infected with the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS? Being infected with Human Papilloma virus (especially types 16 and 18). This is by far the greatest risk factor. Smoking AGE: Cervical cancer can occur at any age but is mostly seen in women over the age of 40. Young Age at First Sexual Intercourse (Onset of sex before 18 years of age increases the chance of getting Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Having multiple sexual partners or having sex with someone who has multiple sexual partners Weak immune system e.g from HIV infection.

October is Cancer awareness month. I will endeavor to share on the most common cancers seen in Zambia. The first of which will be Cervical cancer. In Zambia alone more than 1700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and more than 1000 women die from it translating into about 2 to 3 people every day.  What is cervical cancer? What are the risk factors? What are the signs and Symptoms? How is it diagnosed? Is it treatable/curable? How can one lower the risk of getting cervical cancer? These are some of the questions I will address under cervical cancer.