Cervical cancer: Vaccine

A little story : from the heart

I begin this blog by commemorating my aunt, who passed away from cervical cancer. Too many women lose their lives because of fear of speaking up, fear of stigma around women’s health issues, and the lack of safe spaces where such conversations can happen. My hulu (aunt) was one of those women. She kept silent, and when she finally spoke out, it was sadly too late.

In the picture above, you’ll notice a cake. Yes , it was my birthday. What was meant to be a joyful celebration of my last birthday in my twenties became the day of my aunt’s funeral. While people wished me a happy birthday, I carried a heavy burden in my heart. Watching my mother weep over the loss of her sister broke me deeply.

I am an OBGYN in training and I have helped so many women facing the same condition that took my aunt’s life. And yet, she did not know how to reach out to me. I never offered her the very information I share so freely with my patients. That reality weighed on me.

This blog series is my love letter to her. Though my words will never reach her, they will reach another woman ,(perhaps you)who will be empowered to take charge of her health. If my sharing can save even one life, then her story will not have been in vain.

Today, we feature one of our Epifem Queens who asked:

“I know there’s an injection called the HPV vaccine for preventing HPV-related cancers. Can it be given to women of all ages? If I’m already an adult, will it still be effective?”

 A Love Letter to Hulu  and to Every Woman

The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the womb that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer is one of the most common and deadly gynecological cancers, and it is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) especially high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18.

HPV is usually contracted through sexual contact. Risk is influenced by factors such as early sexual activity, multiple partners, smoking, low immunity and poor hygiene.

But here’s the good news: cervical cancer is preventable.

Worldwide, there is strong advocacy and confidence in the HPV vaccine as one of the best tools to stop it.

The HPV Vaccine – FAQs 

• Who can get it?
  Originally targeted at young girls before sexual activity , in RSA , program to vaccinate grade 4 learners has already been started , the vaccine is now however recommended for women and men aged 9–45 years.
• Is it safe?
  Yes. The vaccine is made from harmless surface proteins of the virus (no DNA), so it cannot cause infection. It is generally safe and effective but not given during pregnancy.
• Where can I get it?
  In South Africa, it’s available in pharmacies (about R800 or more per dose, with a doctor’s prescription—preferably from your gynecologist). A full course requires 3 doses.
• How effective is it?
  Studies show it can prevent up to 80-90% of cervical cancers linked to HPV.

So, to answer our Queen’s question: Yes, you can confidently get vaccinated between the ages of 9–45. For women already sexually active, an HPV DNA test may be recommended before vaccination, so make sure you are HPV negative before vaccination.

As deadly as cervical cancer can be, we are moving towards a future aiming at complete eradication through vaccination and early screening. We will continue the cervical cancer series , with so much to learn about it.

For now, I hope this boosts your confidence and encourages you to start open conversations about HPV with the women around you. I’m proud of you for being brave enough to take this journey of empowerment.

Love

Dr Nshali