Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 570,000 new cases in 2018.

The Cervix is an organ that connects vagina to uterus

Virtually all cervical cancers are associated with human papilloma viruses (HPV). However, the majority of women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer. Women become susceptible to developing cervical cancer following HPV infection, but other environmental factors are required for the cancer to develop.

Who is at risk?

• Women who were married at an early age.
• Women who have had multiple pregnancies.
• Women with a history of having sexually transmitted disease.
• Women who have multiple sexual partners.
• Women whose partners have had multiple sexual partners or who have had sexually transmitted disease.
• Women from low socioeconomic status (due to poor hygiene).
• Women undergoing treatment involving suppression of the immune system from steroids, other diseases or HIV –

Symptoms

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse or after menopause
• Persistent white, brown or blood stained, foul smelling vaginal discharge
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Involuntary loss of urine

As from year 2015, Link to Life offers Papsmear test for cervical cancer screening at a minimal cost. During the past years as from 27th April 2011 up to year 2014 Link to Life was performing FREE Cervical Cancer Screening using Visual Inspection with Acetic-Acid and colposcope for women age 30 – 60 in our centre in Vacoas. However, now we are using the latest method of screening which is the Papsmear Test.

The Cervical Cancer Screening is conducted by a Gynecologist & doctors once or twice a week only on appointment basis. Whenever the Gynecologist or doctors identify any abnormality, she then refers the patient to the hospital. But the patient is also free to see any private medical practitioner for detailed investigation.