2. Cancer
Is the uncontrolled growth of cells and tissues
Cancer cells may invade surrounding and
distant parts of the body, destroying normal
tissues and competing for nutrients and oxygen
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
3. How does Cervical Cancer develop?
The underlying cause is infection types of human papilloma
virus (HPV), types are 16 and 18
The risk of HPV acquisition in both men and women is related
to sexual behavior
HPV causes changes in the cervical cells
Progression to cervical cancer is slow and can take even 20
years
The precancerous stage is treatable
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
4. Cancer of the cervix is rare in women under 30 years but is
most common in women of 40 and above.
Most deaths occur between 50-60 years
Left untreated, invasive cervical cancer is almost always
fatal, causing enormous pain and suffering for individual,
family and community
Who Gets Cervical Cancer?
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
5. Misconceptions Facts
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) cause
cervical cancer
IUDs are not linked to any increase in
cervical cancer
In screening, part of your body is
removed
Cervical cancer screening involves a gentle
collection of cells from the surface of the
cervix. No pieces of tissue are removed
Screening is like a vaccaine: once you
have had it, you will not get cervical
cancer
Screening in itself does not prevent cervical
cancer, but it does detect if the cervix is
normal or not. If abnormalities are detected
early and are treated, cancer is prevented
Misconceptions About Cervical Cancer
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
6. There is no point in going for cancer
screening, because it only tells a woman
that she has a fatal condition and nothing
can be done
Screening can detect abnormalities before
they become cancer. Also, if cancer itself
is detected early, it can be cured with
proper treatment.
Cervical cancer is seen in women with
poor hygiene practices.
There is no evidence that poor hygiene
causes cervical cancer
Use of tampons and herbs can cause
cancer of the cervix.
Cervical cancer is caused by a viral
infection. Smoking and having multiple
sexual partners can increase the risk, but
use of tampons and herbs has not been
shown to have any effect.
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
7. Why Cervical Cancer?
1. Second most common cancer in Women worldwide, currently
affecting over 1 million women
2. Leading cause of death from cancer among women in
developing countries
3. Over 90% of cases are in developing countries
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
8. Components of cervical cancer
control
Primary prevention
Early detection / screening
Diagnosis and treatment
Palliative care
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
9. Primary prevention-components
To reduce high risk sexual behaviour
This entails promotion of Abstinence, and faithfulness
to partner (A ,B)
Promotion of condom use (C)
HPV vaccine
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
10. Early detection
This is screening targeting the most at risk age group as well as HIV
positive women, using the most available cost effective method
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
11. Diagnosis and Treatment
Availability of treatment regimen is a prerequisite for a
successful Screening programmes
Cryotherapy and LEEP are recommended fortreatment of
pre-cancer
Invasive cancer needs to be diagnosed in time to enable
timely institution of treatment.
After treatment, follow up should always be done
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
12. Palliative care
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of
life of patients and their families facing problems
associated with life limiting illness e.g. Cervical cancer
It entails prevention and relief of suffering by: early
identification, assessment and treatment of pain, other
physical symptoms and psychological, social and spiritual
problems.
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
13. A team approach to cervical cancer
Prevention and control
Cervical cancer control requires a multi- sectoral and
multidisciplinary effort and strong linkages and team work
between providers at all levels of Health care system
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
14. Conclusion
Cervical Cancer is a major public health concern
in Kenya due to its prevalence, morbidity and
mortality
Overt cancer is expensive to treat
Investing in cervical cancer prevention and
control saves lives, improves the quality of the
woman’s life and is cost saving to the country
Early detection saves life
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
15. References
• Pincc (USA)
• Dr. Art Levite (2010), Cervical Cancer
prevention
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
16. THANK YOU!
DR. WILLCOX’
GLUK-GABI
BCM, Great Lakes University Of
Kisumu, Facult of Health
Sciences, Clinical Medicine
Department.
DR. MAKOKHA
BCM, Great Lakes University Of
Kisumu, Faculty of Health
Sciences, Clinical Medicine
Department.
glmakokha@yahoo.com
Phone: 0734690659
glukgabi@yandex.com
Dr. Makokha & Dr. Mark Willcox’
