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Human papilloma virus HPV is the name for a group of viruses that affect skin and the moist membranes lining of the body. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Around 30 of which can affect the genital area. Genital HPV infections are common and highly contagious. This can lead to genital warts, and is also known to cause cervical cancer by creating an abnormal tissue growth.
Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix -the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. It takes 10-15 years before invasive cervical cancer develops. As the cells change, they become pre-cancerous -a condition also known as dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Common symptoms of cervical cancer are: blood spots or light bleeding between or following periods, menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual, bleeding after intercourse or a pelvic examination, pain during sexual intercourse, unexplained, persistent pelvic and back pain.
Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infections of high-risk HPV, which causes changes to cervical cells. HPV primary screening, self-sampling as part of the cervical screening programme and vaccinating boys for HPV can prevent cervical cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, Swaziland has the highest rate of cervical cancer in the world – 75 cases per 100,000 people.