Marking Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
In honour of Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) hosted breast cancer survivors from the Zahavah Cancer Awareness Organization on October 9th 2024, at the Farmers’ Conference Centre (FCC), Thogoto. This event aimed to raise awareness about these two critical women’s health issues, emphasizing the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and debunking common myths surrounding breast and cervical cancer.
KENAFF Women and breast and cervical cancer survivors enjoy a cheerful moment together for a group photo.
Understanding Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer:
Cervical Cancer.
Cervical cancer develops in the tissues of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. One of the primary tools for detecting early changes in the cervix is the cervical cytology commonly known as Pap smear; a procedure that can identify abnormal cells that may indicate the presence of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions.
Early Symptoms of Cervical Cancer.
Early detection is key to preventing cervical cancer from progressing. Some early symptoms include: abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after sex, or during menopause, unusual vaginal discharge which may be bloody or have an unpleasant odour and pelvic pain.
Risk Factors and Causes.
All women who have been sexually active are at risk of cervical cancer, with the primary cause being Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. While the body’s immune system typically clears HPV within 8-14 months in about 80% of cases, persistent HPV infections can lead to cervical cancer. HPV can also cause other conditions like vulvar and vaginal cancers in women, as well as genital warts in both men and women. Regular Pap smears every two years can help prevent up to 90% of the most common types of cervical cancer.
Myths about Cervical Cancer.
Some of the myths about cervical cancer include: It is a death sentence, it implies promiscuity, it is caused by witchcraft, having sex during menstruation causes cervical cancer. It’s important to debunk these myths and rely on accurate information for prevention and treatment.
Breast Cancer in Women.
Breast cancer is another significant health concern for women. Early detection through self-awareness and regular screenings is crucial for survival.
Breast Cancer in Men.
While breast cancer is more common in women, men can also develop the disease. Men typically have less breast tissue, which can make warning signs easier to notice. However, most men feel embarrassed to go for check-ups and some consider it as taboo to be touched during the tests.
These symptoms can sometimes indicate a benign (non-cancerous) condition, but it’s crucial for men to seek medical evaluation if they notice any changes.
Warning Signs of Breast Cancer in both men and women.
Swollen lymph nodes around the armpits, painless and swollen hard lump, darkening of the breast, a change in the size or shape of the breast, wrinkling of the skin, an itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple, nipple discharge that starts suddenly and new pain in a specific area that does not go away.
15-year breast cancer survivor Alice Njoki advising KENAFF Ladies on the importance of early detection for breast and cervical cancer.
Screening Tests for Breast Cancer
Pap smear test: This test detects abnormal or precancerous cells in the cervix and should be done every 3 years for women aged 21-65
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test: This test detects high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) strains linked to cervical cancer and women aged 30-65 are recommended by health practitioners to go through this test.
Co-Testing (Pap + HPV): This test combines both the Pap smear and HPV tests for comprehensive screening often for women aged 30-65 every 5 years.
Conclusion.
Both cervical and breast cancers are significant health concerns, but early detection can drastically improve outcomes. Regular screenings, such as Pap smears and mammograms, along with awareness of symptoms, play a crucial role in prevention and early treatment. Myths and misinformation should be dispelled to encourage proper understanding and proactive healthcare steps.