According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers.

In light of this, ParentsAfrica Integrated Media in partnership with Jubilee Christian Church Parklands organised a Women’s Health and Wellness event on 25^th May to holistically discuss cancers affecting women, with a view to spark conversation, educate the community and promote cancer awareness:

 Common Myths and Misconceptions

According to Dr. Joan Mutahi, an obstetrician & gynaecologist, two of the most common myths and misconceptions she has encountered regarding cancers that affect women are age and the bliss of not knowing:

Age

“One of the myths we hear is that ‘I’m too young for cancer, I don’t need screening,’ and that cannot be further from the truth,” Dr. Joan states, noting that the true danger with cancers that affect women is that most of them will be discovered in the later stages.

“For example, 70% of cases of ovarian cancer will be discovered in stage 3C, meaning they started developing when the patient was younger,” she explains, dispelling the notion that anyone is too young for cancer.

Blissful Ignorance

Another myth Dr. Joan encounters frequently pertains to the hope of blissful ignorance: “The other myth we hear is that there is hope in not knowing. When I ask my patients why they haven’t had a pap smear, they tell me that there is hope in not knowing, or that they don’t want to know at that time.”

From her standpoint as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, nothing could be more devastating: “I weep when I hear that because most of the cancers in women are treatable and curable if found earlier in the stages. That is why we are encouraging our women, mothers, and ladies to get screened, especially pap smears for cervical cancer screening, which should be done between the ages of 21 and 65 years old.”

Dr. Joan emphasizes the importance of screening in detecting cancer early and effective treatment: “We’re never too young for cancer but we can be screened and have the cancer be found in good time. Remember cancer of the cervix will develop over a long time. From exposure to HPV, the virus that causes cancer of the cervix, to full-blown disease, it will take 10 to 20 years. What we can do in that time is to screen. When we screen, we get to know if there are changes in the cervix that, if left unattended will progress to cancer later on in life, then we can arrest it.

So, there is no hope in not knowing, there is hope in knowing. Because when we know, we can treat. When we catch it early, it is curable. But when you wait until you get the symptoms; painful vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, bleeding after sex, or foul vaginal discharge, by that time you’re far gone along the line.”

 Cancer Diagnosis

Dr. Anthony Nderitu, a clinical and radiation oncologist, shares that the cancer journey requires a multidisciplinary management approach, where everyone has a role to play, from diagnosis to treatment and even counselling.

“When a patient suspects they have cancer, the journey begins at the nearest health facility. While you may not find an oncologist or a gynaecologist there, the healthcare providers, being more aware and educated on cancer, may navigate you to where you can get help. Then, we help you go through the process of making a diagnosis: you are examined, have a biopsy taken, which is then taken to the laboratory, after which the pathologist comes in to help make a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made and confirmed, the radiologists will conduct scans and other investigations to determine how far the cancer has progressed,” he explains the process of diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony adds that counselling is also a crucial part of the cancer diagnosis process: “Throughout this process, we also take you through counselling so that you come to terms with what is happening, be part of the journey and can be navigated through treatment.”

The Role of Gynaecologists in Early Detection

Dr. Joan notes that gynaecologists are now playing an active role in early cancer detection: “One of the conversations we’ve been having as gynaecologists is encouraging each other to take 2 minutes and look at that woman’s cervix. That is an ongoing conversation with us gynaecologists because one of the things that we have found from the different stages of sickness is that by the time a patient gets to a gynaecologist, they’ve been treated for other things using over-the-counter creams. Then, the patient will show up 7 years later with a huge cancer of the vulva.”

She explains that doctors are now taking a more proactive approach in screening patients, “Doctors are becoming more and more proactive in examining their patients, being up-to-date with the current trends of treatment and with the modalities of screening. The other thing we’ve done, for example in my clinic, for patients coming in for post-natal clinic at 6 weeks, that is the perfect time for me to do a pap smear.”

In cases where patients suspect something or have concerns, she urges them to be their own advocates: “Patients, when you go to the doctor, be your own advocates. Ask them to check and examine you. Go for your medical checkups as well.”

Better Support from Healthcare Providers

For Elizabeth Kyuma, a breast, cervical and ovarian cancer survivor, healthcare providers can offer better support to cancer patients by being honest and upfront with their patients: “Healthcare providers play a big role in the cancer journey and I request them to tell the truth. Tell the patients what they should expect. Don’t lie to them.”

She emphasizes the importance of honesty with patients, “I know they care about us, but I would prefer if they told us the truth. I used to go to the hospital, with my breast bleeding, and the doctor would tell me to simply use cotton and I’d be okay. I would prefer if they told us the truth about our condition. It is better the painful truth than sweet lies, because the truth will come out soon at the end of the day.”

Recommendations  

• Conduct more forums for cancer advocacy & awareness- Have more forums and events spreading cancer awareness and advocacy, educating the community on cancer and treatment options.
• Carry out self-examination- Know, observe and examine your body, and speak up if anything rings an alarm. Regularly examine your breasts, your body, and understand what is normal for your body so you can identify what isn’t.
• Go for screenings regularly and on time- Screening helps in early detection and treatment.
• Be your own advocate– Speak up for yourself, tell your doctors and healthcare providers any changes and concerns you have and observe.
• Befriend healthcare providers- This is beneficial because they will help you navigate the journey.
• Adhere to the doctor’s advice- Attend appointments on time as scheduled. Timely treatment makes all the difference.