Reduce the Risk of Cervical Cancer Through Vaccination

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death for women in developing countries.

Read more about cervical cancer here…

The primary underlying cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) – see latest HPV Fact Sheet here – which is transmitted through skin to skin contact and is a very common virus infecting most people at some point in their lives.

There are many types of HPV and some of the virus types can infect the cells that could lead to cancer. About 40 types are sexually transmitted through genital contact while mostly two types (16 + 18) are considered high risk in South Africa – view cervical cancer infographic here…

National DoH HPV Vaccination Programme in Schools

As persistent infection with HPV may lead to cervical cancer, CANSA encourages all women in the age group of 9-26 years (provided they are not sexually active) to get the HPV vaccine.

The government is currently running the National Department of Health (DoH) HPV Vaccination Programme in all public schools, including former Model C, around South Africa, providing all grade four (9 to 10-year old girls) with the opportunity to receive the HPV vaccination.

The DoH also provides an implementation guide to the schools, giving educators the necessary information regarding the vaccination and reducing the cancer risk – see DoH FAQ’s re Vaccination Programme…

“CANSA is grateful to the DoH for offering free HPV vaccinations to South African girls. As the leading force in cancer control in South Africa, CANSA is proud to stand with the government in educating all young women about the dangers of HPV and cervical cancer, and offer an opportunity to take their health in their own hands as cervical cancer can be effectively treated if detected and diagnosed early,” says CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert.

• Letter from CANSA to parents urging them to support vaccination programme

CANSA Provides Screening for Cancer

CANSA has nine Mobile Health Clinics that travel to remote areas throughout South Africa to reach communities who would otherwise not have access to screening. They offer clinical breast examinations, Pap smear screening tests for cervical cancer, as well as other health tests such as cholesterol, blood pressure as well as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests for men to detect prostate abnormalities. Screening is also available at CANSA Care Centres country-wide.

Reducing Risk & Early Detection Key

We urge all girls to get the HPV vaccination – speak to your local practitioner to find out where this vaccination is available – and for all women to go for regular Pap smears (screening test for the early detection of cervical cancer) at least every three years as from age 25.

Published: 7 October 2016 | Last Updated: 28 February 2022
Categories: Women's Health