Cervical Cancer

Women whose mothers took synthetic oestrogens called DES before it was discontinued in 1971 have been found to suffer from fertility problems and cancers, according to a study.

Overview

Cancer of the cervix is very common in South Africa, and affects approximately one in every 34 women. The human papillomavirus, which is a common sexually transmitted infection, is the main cause of cervical cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical cancer, but usually only occurs in the advanced stages of the disease. Most cases are detected during gynaecological check-ups. A vaccine that guards against the human papillomavirus, which is responsible for most cervical cancers, has been developed and was recently made available to the public sector.