Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide. The earlier it can be detected the better, but signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can be tough to spot.
Having regular cervical cancer screenings (also known as a pap smear) is crucial for the early detection of abnormalities that lead to cancer. Read on to learn about the symptoms of cervical cancer, and what you can do to prevent it.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Often, cervical cancer doesn’t have any symptoms at all in the early stages.
But it can cause:
- Bleeding during or after sex, or in between your periods
- Pain during or after sex
- Changes to your vaginal discharge
- Pain in your lower back or pelvis
In many cases these symptoms only develop once the cancer is more advanced.
Having these symptoms does not mean you have cervical cancer. There are many other more likely causes, including having a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms it’s best to get checked out. Visit your nearest MSI Tanzania clinic to arrange the tests you need.
What causes cervical cancer?
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a group of viruses called human papillomavirus, or HPV.
HPV is a very common virus. It’s frequently passed on during foreplay or sex. It doesn’t cause any symptoms and most infections go away without causing any problems.
But if the infection doesn’t go away, it can start to change the skin cells that cover your cervix (the opening to your womb). Over time, that can lead to cervical cancer.
It’s hard to avoid HPV infection because these viruses are very common and easily transmitted. In fact, it’s so common that most women get a HPV infection shortly after they first have sex.
How the HPV vaccination helps prevent cervical cancer
There are more than 100 different types of HPV, but only a few increase your risk of getting cervical cancer. The HPV vaccination aims to prevent you from catching these high-risk types of HPV.
Because HPV is so common, it’s best to have the vaccination very early, before you have had any sexual experience. In most countries, the HPV vaccine is offered to girls between the ages of 9 and 14.
The HPV vaccination doesn’t prevent all cases of cervical cancer, so you should still continue having regular screenings even if you’re vaccinated.
You can book a HPV vaccination at any one of our clinics by calling us on 0800 753 333 or sending a WhatsApp to 0755 896 996.
How else can I prevent cervical cancer?
Attending regular screenings and getting a HPV vaccination are important steps you can take to prevent cervical cancer.
But there are other things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the disease, such as:
- Avoiding smoking
- Using condoms during sex
- Limiting your sexual partners
Having your first cervical cancer screening
You should have your first cervical cancer screening between the ages of 21 and 30. Depending on your age and the type of screening you have, you’ll need your next one within three to five years.
During your cervical cancer screening, a sample of cells from your cervix will be taken. These cells then get sent to a lab and checked for changes that happen before you develop cervical cancer. Sometimes the cells are also tested for HPV first.
You’ll usually receive your results 2-3 weeks later. If the sample of cells taken during screening shows there might be a problem, you’ll be told about your treatment options.
We offer cervical cancer screening at all of our clinics – contact us to book your test today.
What happens during a cervical cancer screening?
Getting a cervical cancer screening takes just a few minutes and, although it can be a little uncomfortable, it doesn’t hurt.
This is what will happen during your test:
- You’ll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen or curtain. If you’re wearing a skirt or dress, you may be able to just lift it up and remove your underwear.
- Next, you’ll lie down on your back on the bed, and cover yourself with a sheet.
- You’ll be asked to move your legs so that you have your feet together and your knees apart.
- Your provider will insert a smooth, lubricated, tube-shaped tool called a speculum, into your vagina.
- The speculum will be gently opened so your cervix can be seen more easily. Then a soft brush will be used to take a sample of cells from your cervix.
- Your provider will close and remove the speculum – and you’re done!
It’s completely normal to feel a bit embarrassed or worried that it could be painful. At MSI Tanzania, our friendly healthcare providers will explain what will happen, answer any questions, and make sure you’re comfortable.
Call us toll-free on 0800 753 333 or WhatsApp us on 0755 896 996 to book your appointment.
