• 99% of all cervical cancer cases are linked to the Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Two types, 16 and 18, cause 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions
• Symptoms develop during the advanced stages of cervical cancer and may include: nausea, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal/pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• The lower cervical cancer incident rates in developed countries have been attributed to the use of the Pap test
• Pap tests have reduced cervical cancer mortality rates in developed countries by 70-80%
• Poor countries do not have the technology and skilled pathologists required to perform Pap tests so Visualization with Acetic Acid (VIA) is the method used to screen for cervical cancer
• During VIA, practitioners brush the cervix with vinegar and within minutes, cancerous and precancerous lesions turn white
• Early stage lesions are treated with Cryotherapy or a Loop Electrical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
• Options for later stage cancers include a hysterectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care for pain/symptom management
• Screening is recommended once every 2-3 years for sexually active women ages 21-50
• Screening is especially important in HIV positive women because HIV positive women have higher incidences, greater prevalence, and longer persistence of HPV infection
• HPV vaccination programs are now being established in the country
• Lack of cervical cancer awareness in rural communities
• Limited preventive health services and cervical cancer screening programs
• Absence of HPV vaccination programs
• High prevalence of HIV in the country
• Shortage of healthcare facilities in rural areas
• Lack of government funding