Flavia Nakagwa
26 June 2008
Kampala — The Uganda Women's Health Initiative has urged women to go for free cervical cancer screening and treatment at Naguru Health Centre in Kampala. Annet Rwiragira, a health worker at the centre, said regular check-ups reduce the risks of getting the cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death among women.
"We are working towards preventing cervical cancer. If an infection is detected early enough, it can be cured." Rwiragira made the remarks during a sensitisation campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer in Kampala recently. The drive was supported by the University College of London, Mulago Hospital and Makerere University. Cervical cancer develops from cells lining the neck of the womb (cervix).
A weakened immune system and smoking are some of the causes of cervical cancer, Rwiragira said. Women with cervical cancer may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can be heavy or light bleeding during the month. An increased vaginal discharge is also a symptom of cervical cancer. It may be foul smelling, watery, thick, or contain mucus. Pelvic pain, which is not related to the normal menstrual cycle, is also another symptom. "The pains, which can last for hours, can be mild or severe," Rwiragira said. "Pain during urination can be a symptom of advanced cervical cancer because it usually occurs when the cancer has spread to the bladder." Rwiragira noted that bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic examination was another symptom.
"This is due to the irritation of the cervix during these activities. While a healthy cervix may have a very small amount of bleeding, many conditions may cause bleeding after activities like sex," she added. "Many women are ignorant about cervical cancer and link it to witchcraft and poverty." Rose Izimba-Kaziba, another health worker, said a report by Mulago Hospital stated that 80% of the women with cervical cancer seek medication when the cancer is in its advanced stages.
"The only way for us to fight cervical cancer is for women to reduce the number of sexual partners, stop engaging in sexual intercourse while still young and go for check-ups," Izimba-Kaziba explained.
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