Cervical Health Awareness Month: PS Muthoni Urge Kenyans To Embrace Regular Screening
The Ministry of Health, through the Community Health Promoters (CHPs), has launched an awareness campaign to encourage parents to embrace the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer.
Speaking during a church service at ACK Kangai in Mwea Kirinyaga County, principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni emphasized that the vaccine is safe and that no one should be afraid of it.
The PS further encouraged Kenyans to regularly visit medical facilities for cervical cancer screening in order to guarantee early detection.
To enhance awareness, the PS stated that her ministry will take advantage of January's Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to raise more public awareness, including in churches.
According to PS Muthoni, routine screening and immunization are two of the most effective strategies to prevent cervical cancer. She urged parents to ensure their daughters receive the same vaccinations.
Cervical cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the cervix; the cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is responsible for the majority of cervical malignancies and comes in different strains. Sexual contact is a typical way for HPV to be transmitted.
When exposed to HPV, the immune system usually stops the virus from doing any damage. Nonetheless, the virus can persist for years in a tiny proportion of individuals. This plays a part in the process by which some cervical cells develop into cancer cells.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, cervical cancer may not exhibit any symptoms at the beginning, but as it spreads, it may manifest as the following symptoms:
• Vaginal bleeding following menstruation, in between periods, or after menopause.
• Heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding that is not typical.
• Heavy, watery, bloody vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.
• Pelvic pain or discomfort during sexual activity.
Tags: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Cervical Cancer Facts
