Chairladies’ meeting and talk on cervical cancer

On 22 August 2019, MASYAP held a meeting for the chairladies of its women’s support groups. The meeting gave them the chance to share their challenges, experiences and expectations of MASYAP. As is customary, the Women’s Coordinator gave an overview of all the programmes MASYAP runs.

A talk on cervical cancer

A nurse from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) was invited to speak about cervical cancer. The key points were:

• Cervical cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells that can spread to other parts of the body. It grows slowly, and the precancerous stages give opportunities for prevention, early detection and treatment.
• There are no symptoms in the early stages.
• Later symptoms include bleeding, pelvic pain and pain during sex.
• Advanced symptoms include back and pelvic pain, loss of appetite, heavy vaginal bleeding, fatigue, weight loss, leg pain and swollen legs.

Risk factors

• Human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes more than 90% of cases
• Smoking
• A weak immune system
• Birth control pills
• Starting sex at a young age
• Having multiple sexual partners