We can improve cervical cancer survival in African women, here is how.

19 April 2021 | Lenias Hwenda: Let´s Talk about Health in Africa – We can improve cervical cancer survival in African women: here is how. Watch Podcast YouTube.

19 April 2021 | Lenias Hwenda: Let´s Talk about Health in Africa – We can improve cervical cancer survival in African women: here is how. 
​Watch Podcast YouTube.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide accounting for more than 8 million deaths each year - 70% of them in poor countries including African countries. In Africa, 1 in 10 women die within 6 months of diagnosis with breast cancer and 50% die after 3 years. African countries accounts for one third of all global cervical cancer deaths., and illness that rarely causes death in the west. The podcast guest Dr Nomsa Tsikai offers insights into the missing elements that could improve survival of African women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Key Messages

Alarming Cancer Statistics in Africa

• Cancer incidence increasing in Africa. The WHO estimates 90% global cervical cancer deaths each year are occurring in LMICs such as those in Africa. African countries accounts for one third of all deaths from cervical cancer.
• Survival of cancer by African women very poor.  One out of ten women diagnosed with breast cancer in Africa die within 6 months. Within three years after diagnosis half of those women will have died.​
• In Africa cervical cancer is also the number 1 cancer affecting women in most countries. African countries still far behind in cancer care.

Poor access to screening and diagnosis a major challenge

•  Easy to screen and detect cervical cancer using simple diagnosis like PAP smear and 
•  VIAP which is visual inspection which allows doctors to see any changes on the cervix.
•  If test are done appropriately and on time cancer in detected early.
• There is a window of opportunity averaging 10 years before cervical cancer becomes invasive and symptoms appear.
• Most African countries, we are not taking advantage of screening with the PAP smear test which can pick up cancer before it becomes invasive. 
• Early detection is helping high income countries maintain low cases of cancer. In African countries, inability to detect cancer early and treat it explain why women in Africa have low survival. Once cancer is spreading, it is more difficult to treat or cure it.