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27 September 2022 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo iStock
Cervical cancer awareness ribbon
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is observed in September in South Africa to encourage women to go for screening to prevent it.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in South Africa, and many die from it each year – but it can be prevented.

According to Dr Arina Meyer, medical practitioner in Kovsie Health at the University of the Free State, this is one of the reasons why it is important to be informed, take precautions, and raise awareness about the disease.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is observed in September in South Africa with the aim of encouraging women to go for screening to prevent it.

Although medical statistics paint a bleak picture, Meyer says there is hope. “It is important to know that cervical cancer can be prevented. And when it is diagnosed early, it can be treated.”

Statistics and causes

According to her, figures show the occurrence of cervical cancer to be between 22,8 and 27 per 100 000 women in South Africa. 

“More than 5 700 new cases are reported each year, as well as more than 3 000 deaths. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer – after skin cancer – in South Africa.”

Meyer says when one look at these numbers, it is important to commemorate Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, as women need to be informed about their annual check-up, possible symptoms, and signs of the cancer.

Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. Therefore, the HPV is seen as a sexually transmitted disease.

“There are different types of HPV. Some cause cervical cancer and other genital warts. One can develop one or both conditions, depending on the type of virus you have,” says Meyer.

Prevention and reducing the risk

According to her, preventative action is the best method. Going for a cervical screening every year when you become sexually active, such as a Pap smear or Pap test, will help in the early detection and removal of abnormal cells.

There is also a vaccine for protection against HPV, which is available from the age of nine. Meyer says there are two vaccines in South Africa.

“By getting the vaccine early, before any sexual activity, the spread of HPV – and therefore cervical cancer – can be prevented. Up to 90% of cancers can be prevented.
“Unfortunately, if someone has already been infected by the HPV, it cannot be treated by the vaccine.”

The UFS medical practitioner says the best ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer are to go for an annual Pap smear, a follow-up after an abnormal test result, the vaccine, safe sex, and to stop smoking.

News Archive

Reflection should stimulate action – Prof Petersen
2017-05-25

 Description: Panel discussion: Reflection should stimulate action  Tags: Panel discussion: Reflection should stimulate action

Panellists at a discussion held by the Institute for
Reconciliation and Social Justice were, from the left,
Prof Elelwani Ramugondo of the University of Cape Town,
Prof Melissa Steyn from Wits, Prof Francis Petersen,
Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, and SK Luwaca,
president of the Student Representative Council on the
Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Johan Roux

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The University of the Free State (UFS) should be a place of belonging, a place where staff, academics and students belong and can make a contribution to a democratic society.

This is according to Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS. He was one of four panellists at a discussion, titled Diversity, inclusivity and social justice and the renewed call for decolonisation, hosted by the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice (IRSJ). Prof Elelwani Ramugondo from the University of Cape Town, Prof Melissa Steyn from Wits, and SK Luwaca, president of the Student Representative Council on the Bloemfontein Campus, were the other panellists.

The IRSJ facilitated the discussion, which formed part of the inauguration proceedings for Prof Petersen as new Vice-Chancellor and Rector, in the Albert Wessels Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus on 18 May 2017.

Renewed thinking about decolonisation

Prof Steyn said: “We can develop our vocabulary to understand our real differences.” She noted that we are all part of reproducing, resisting and reframing the current order.

Universities should be a place where questions can be asked, Prof Ramugondo said. She elaborated on the term decolonisation, saying we needed to investigate how we related and reflected on it, mentioning the myths that surrounded the term. “We should renew our thinking [about decolonisation] at universities,” she said.

“We can develop our vocabulary
to understand our real differences.”

What does a transformed UFS look like?
According to Luwaca unity isn’t something that can be faked, but everybody should work towards it, building a rainbow nation together. It is important for everyone to be on the same page: “We have to ask ourselves what a transformed university looks like.”

Prof Petersen said it was important to often pause and reflect: “Reflection should stimulate action. Reflection is not something without action.”

After the discussion, a lively question-and-answer session with the panellists took place. Prof André Keet, director of the IRSJ and facilitator of the discussion, suggested the gathering should be the start of many similar engagements.

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