Sixty Mitchell’s Plain women had free pap smears done when they participated in a cervical cancer awareness campaign at Melomed Private Hospitals group at Town Centre on Wednesday October 26.
Papanicolaou “pap” tests are conducted to look for the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and involve a slight scrape at the cervix, which can detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix or colon.
Campaign participant Amanda Teichardt, 49, from Woodridge, said she believed in women’s health and wellness. “We should have regular check-ups and I would encourage all women to know their status,” she said.
Ms Teichardt said since her diagnosis of early menopause, she has been able to better understand and manage her health.
Hospital spokesperson Tammy Cleophas said the women had to book before having the procedure done.
“We encourage you to partake in this drive as prevention is always better than cure,” she said.
Volunteer gynaecologists and obstetricians doctors Ogbannaya Orji, Thembelihle Masina and Ncamsile Maseko first explained the procedure, advised on possible diagnosis, performed the procedure and then would follow-up with the women after they’ve received their results.
Dr Masina said that abnormal findings would often be followed up by more sensitive diagnostic procedures and, if warranted, interventions to prevent progression to cervical cancer.
“Cervical cancer remains one of the top cancers and our screening together with early detection initiatives are aimed to benefit our community,” she said.
Dr Masina said cervical cancer was the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer.
Rasheeda Cerff, Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Relay for life Mitchell’s Plain’s team recruitment chairwoman, told the Plainsman October was national breast cancer awareness month.
The Cansa relay team explained different types of cancers at the hospital last week.
Ms Cerff said that the month-long campaign reflected a nationwide drive by public and private healthcare structures to raise awareness of this debilitating disease across all races and class structures.
Yesterday, Tuesday November 1 marked the start of Movember, which raises awareness about men’s health. In South Africa, men grow their moustaches to show their support for the campaign which raises funds for the care and support of men affected by cancer and gives all men the opportunity to “change the face of men’s health” in the country.