26 March 2007
Following Reproductive Health Month in February, provincial government has
embarked on a Cervical Cancer Campaign through which it is targeting government
departments.
The campaign, which commenced today (Monday, 26 March) and will continue for
the rest of the week, entails the hosting of a Pap Smear Clinic at the
Kimberley Hospital Complexâs Wellness Centre, by the Northern Cape Department
of Health in a bid to address the backlog of cervical cancer screenings in the
province. This, as the department is trying to decrease the number of deaths
from cervical cancer in the Northern Cape.
The inter-departmental campaign comes after a similar departmental campaign
which was held earlier in the year, whereby health officials from the
department and Kimberley Hospital Complex were encouraged to go for screening.
The initial campaign was successful and saw a total of 60 women presenting for
pap smears, of which 13 women under the age of 30 and 20 women over the age of
30 did their first pap smears. The rest of the women came for repeat pap
smears.
It is hoped that the second campaign will produce just as positive a
response from female government officials, as cervical cancer is the most
common cancer in women. It is also the most common cancer in black and coloured
women, second most common in Asian women and fourth most common in white women.
It is less prevalent amongst white females due to the fact they go for more
regular pap smears.
Warning signs that women should take note of are: having started sexual
activity at a young age, having multiple sexual partners, sexually transmitted
diseases such as genital herpes or genital warts, multiple pregnancies and
smoking.
Women can, however, take action against cervical cancer and are encouraged
to: have regular pap smears, have only one sexual partner, use barrier method
contraception and immediately see a doctor when unusual or irregular bleeding
or persistent discharge occurs.
For those who can afford it, it is ideal to have an annual pap smear.
However, going for a pap test for three consecutive years after sexual activity
started, and then at three yearly intervals if no cell changes are found, is a
reasonable alternative. All women should, however, have three pap tests in
their lifetime at 10 year intervals. The Department of Health allows women to
have three free Pap tests done at clinics and hospitals three times in her
lifetime: in her thirties, forties and fifties.
Enquiries:
Shelley Fielding
Tel: (053) 830 2000
Cell: 083 701 7191
Issued by: Department of Health, Northern Cape Provincial Government
26 March 2007
