Despite cervical cancer being a vaccine-preventable disease, a woman dies every 2 minutes globally from cervical cancer, with a disproportionate impact on women in low- and middle-income countries. In South Africa, over 10,700 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, resulting in over 5,800 deaths. This preventable tragedy can be addressed by targeting the principal cause: the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in South Africa involve vaccinating both boys and girls aged 9 to 15 and expanding access to HPV screening for all women. Early diagnosis through screening is crucial as cervical cancer is treatable when detected early. While progress has been made in improving access to vaccination and screening, significant barriers still exist.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, CEO of FIND, emphasizes the ongoing fight to eliminate cervical cancer, but remains hopeful for the future. FIND is collaborating with the public and private sectors in South Africa to develop innovative and scalable solutions for HPV testing.
Key Findings on HPV Self-Collection Testing
Recent research conducted by FIND and its partners sheds light on the acceptability and demand for HPV self-collection testing among South African women. Some key findings from client surveys include:
- 58% of women surveyed had limited knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV.
- 77% of respondents preferred HPV DNA testing, with 71% opting for self-collection due to privacy and convenience.
- 74% of women who preferred self-collection expressed willingness to purchase kits from pharmacies.
- Most respondents indicated a price range of $18 to $36 for the test to be accessible.
- 59% preferred collecting samples in clinics or hospitals, 28% preferred self-collection at home, and 14% at a laboratory.
The Promise of HPV Self-Collection Testing
The research highlights a strong interest in HPV self-collection testing among women in South Africa. This approach empowers women to take control of their health by collecting samples privately or at convenient locations. Self-collection testing eliminates the need for uncomfortable pelvic exams in clinical settings and reduces logistical challenges, particularly for women in rural areas.
By making self-collection kits available in pharmacies, screening rates can potentially increase, leading to early diagnosis and improved outcomes for women facing cervical cancer.
Challenges and Solutions
While HPV self-collection testing shows promise, healthcare providers must be well-informed about national cervical cancer management protocols to ensure appropriate counselling and follow-up for women with abnormal screening results. Training initiatives are essential to address this gap.
Improving public awareness of cervical cancer and prevention methods is also crucial. Initiatives like the African Cervical Health Alliance aim to educate communities about the importance of regular screening and available screening options.
A Vision for the Future
To reduce the burden of cervical cancer in South Africa, a comprehensive approach is needed. This includes advocating for policy changes to integrate self-collection testing, expanding access to affordable self-collection kits, enhancing practitioner training, and launching public awareness campaigns.
By providing convenient and affordable screening options like HPV DNA self-testing, we empower women to make informed health decisions and work towards a future free from the impact of cervical cancer.
For more information on FIND’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Project, visit FIND South Africa at https://apo-opa.co/4jMkyJA.
Article distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIND.
Watch our educational webinars: Visit FIND’s YouTube Channel at https://apo-opa.co/3CwQXTx.
Contact:
Beatrice Bernescut
Director, Communications
FIND
+41 (0) 79 963 86 78
www.FINDdx.org
