Cervical cancer, a largely preventable and treatable disease, continues to pose a significant health threat to women in Kenya and worldwide in general.
Despite medical advancements, lack of awareness and limited access to preventive care have allowed the disease to claim thousands of lives annually.
In recognition of January being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, here are 10 key facts you need to know about this chronic but preventable disease:
1. Primary cause
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus.
Among the 200 strains of HPV, types 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.
2. Global burden
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally.
Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with the disease each year and just about the same number succumb to the condition.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 660,000 women were diagnosed with the disease in 2022, and approximately 350,000 died from it.
Most of these deaths occur in regions with limited access to screening and treatment.
3. Kenyan context
In Kenya, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer, and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women aged 15 to 44.
Annually, over 5,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 3,200 succumb to it, according to a 2023 fact sheet on HPV and related cancers.
4. Risk factors
Key risk factors include early sexual activity, having multiple sexual partners, and weakened immune systems, particularly among women living with HIV/AIDS.
Smoking also increases the likelihood of abnormal cervical cell changes.
5. Symptoms
Cervical cancer often develops silently, showing no symptoms in its early stages.
When symptoms appear, they may include unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain, and discomfort during intercourse.
6. Importance of screening
Regular cervical screening through Pap smears and HPV testing can detect precancerous changes early, enabling timely treatment.
Despite this, access to screening remains a challenge in many low-resource settings.
7. Preventive measures: HPV vaccination
The HPV vaccine is a highly effective preventive tool.
Kenya introduced the HPV vaccination program in 2019, targeting girls aged 10 to 14.
In 2024, the country transitioned to a single-dose regimen based on WHO guidelines, replacing the initial two-dose protocol.
8. Government concerned
The Ministry of Health has declared cervical cancer a priority health issue.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa recently emphasized the need for expanded access to HPV vaccines, routine screenings, and early treatment, integrating these services into the primary healthcare system.
9. Prevention and awareness campaign
The number of cervical cancer cases highlights the urgency needed for prevention and awareness campaigns across the country.
According to GLOBOCAN 2022, Kenya records 5,845 new cervical cancer cases and 3,591 related deaths annually.
These figures underline the pressing need for better preventive care and awareness campaigns.
10. Call to action
During a media briefing in Nairobi on Friday, January 24, 2025, Dr. Edward Serem, speaking on behalf of CS Barasa, urged stakeholders to prioritize cervical cancer prevention.
“The fight against cervical cancer is not just about statistics; it’s about saving lives,” he said.
The elimination of cervical cancer is achievable with collective effort. This requires public awareness, government commitment, healthcare provider support, and media advocacy to ensure that every woman has access to preventive care.
As CS Barasa aptly stated, “We must take bold steps to ensure every woman and girl has access to the preventive services that will protect them from this deadly disease.”
By turning awareness into tangible action, lives will be saved and a healthier future built for women everywhere.
