Cervical Cancer – Time to Act!

It’s bad…

One in forty-one women will receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer in their lifetime. Think of the women in your home, schools, community groups, workplace, and places of worship…

And worse…

That cervical cancer is the cancer women die of most often in our country.

And worst of all…

That these deaths may have been prevented…

It’s Down to You - What Will You Do?

Research has shown that vaccinating girls before they are exposed to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent cervical cancer.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, causes most cervical cancers worldwide.

Take hands with CANSA and the Department of Health (DOH) and educate yourself and others around the importance of allowing school going girls to participate in the HPV Vaccination Programme being rolled out in schools nationwide until 27 March 2026.

Free single-dose HPV vaccinations are being administered to eligible girls aged nine years and older in public, private and special (as defined by the DOH) schools.

There are also mechanisms in place to reach out-of-school girls through health facilities and community-based services.

• South Africa has adopted the WHO-recommended single-dose HPV schedule following strong evidence that one dose provides protection comparable to multi-dose schedules in immunocompetent girls aged 9–14 years.
• For those aged 15–20 years, one or two doses are recommended.
• Women living with HIV should receive three doses, or at least two, where three are not feasible.
• The Department of Health will continue to monitor opportunities to introduce next-generation vaccines and, when feasible, extend vaccination to boys.

CANSA encourages parents and caregivers to sign consent forms and ensure eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine during the campaign.

By choosing vaccination, families play a direct role in protecting their daughters’ long-term health.

Video: Prevent Cervical Cancer

Besides promoting the importance of the HPV vaccination you can also share the content of this enewsletter with others, as it contains awareness materials translated into several South African languages.

Early Detection

Alongside vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening remains essential.

HPV DNA testing, the preferred WHO screening method, and Pap smear screening enable early detection of precancerous changes, when treatment is most effective.

This is particularly important for women living with HIV, who face a significantly higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

How CANSA Helps

As part of our screening programme, CANSA makes use of the most trusted and clinically proven liquid-based cytology method when collecting a sample during a Pap smear.

Pap smears help us identify abnormal cells on the cervix (lower womb) caused by HPV which can lead to cancer.

Should the result indicate an abnormality, CANSA can help with a referral within the public health care sector or to a medical practitioner.

Screening is extremely affordable – for R350 women may have a Pap smear (the fee covers consumable costs and lab fees) and a free Clinical Breast Examination.

Did You Know?
Your donations enable free services, for example, CANSA Tele and Virtual counselling in most SA languages by trained counsellors, support groups (face-to-face; WhatsApp and FBK); guidance from our Clinical Nurses regarding coping with the side effects of cancer, cancer treatment, dietary tips, stoma care and pain management – enquire at info@cansa.org.za; our Advocacy department assists patients experiencing stock shortages, delays in screening and cancer treatment, and lack of access to appropriate pain management medications; transport to and from cancer treatment centres is provided to our cancer patients staying at CANSA Care Homes, who would otherwise live too far away to receive treatment. Children and teens with cancer and their parents / guardians stay at our CANSA TLC Lodges for free during treatment. Our two TLC wig banks for children / teens provide free wigs to those in need.