Second most diagnosed cancer amongst Namibian women
“Every woman deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. Every family deserves the chance to prevent a disease that should no longer claim so many mothers,daughters, sisters and friends.”
According to the chief executive officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), Rolf Hansen, cervical cancer remains despite many efforts one of Namibia’s biggest cancer challenges. Cervical cancer remains according to the Namibia National Cancer Registry and the latest Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2024), the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Namibia.
Current estimates indicate approximately 453 Namibian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year.
This represents an Age-Standardised Incidence Rate (ASR) of 37,2 per 100 000 women.
Understanding HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common virus. It is estimated that the majority of sexually active people (both men and women) will be infected with HPV at some point during their lives. In most individuals, the body's immune system naturally clears the infection without
causing illness. However, certain "high-risk" HPV types can persist for many years, gradually causing changes to the cells of the cervix that may eventually develop into cervical cancer if left undetected and untreated.
Among these high-risk viruses, HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide, while several additional high-risk HPV types account for most of the remaining cases. Importantly, HPV infection is common. Developing cervical cancer is not
inevitable. With appropriate prevention, vaccination and regular screening, cervical cancer is
largely preventable.
HPV and HIV: Why Namibia must pay attention
Namibia continues to carry one of the highest HIV burdens globally. Women living with HIV have a weakened immune system, making it significantly more difficult for the body to clear persistent HPV infections. As a result, they face a substantially higher risk of developing cervical cancer and often develop pre-cancerous changes at younger ages. This makes cervical cancer prevention particularly important within Namibia's healthcare response.
Understanding the HPV prevention immunisation
The HPV prevention immunisation is designed to train the body's immune system to recognise and defend against the HPV types most commonly responsible for cervical cancer.
It is important to understand that:
• It is not a treatment for existing HPV infection.
• It cannot cause HPV infection.
• It cannot cause cervical cancer.
• It is designed to prevent future infection by the most dangerous HPV types.
The most effective protection occurs before exposure to HPV, which is why international health authorities recommend administering the vaccine during late childhood and early adolescence.
Why girls aged 9 - 14 years?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine HPV immunisation before individuals become exposed to HPV through sexual activity. Girls between 9 and 14 years of age produce an exceptionally strong immune response to the vaccine, providing long-lasting protection before they are ever at risk of infection. Receiving the vaccine at this age is about protecting future health, not about current behaviour. Parents should view this in the same way they view childhood immunisations against other preventable diseases: an investment in lifelong health.
The Prevention: Gardasil
One of the HPV vaccines currently available internationally and provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Services is Gardasil. It provides protection against various HPV types, including HPV16 and HPV18, which are
associated with the overwhelming majority of cervical cancers, as well as HPV types 9 and 11, that cause most genital warts. Extensive international research involving millions of administered doses has demonstrated that
HPV vaccination is both highly effective and has a strong safety profile.
The HPV vaccine has been used globally for nearly two decades, with ongoing safety monitoring by health authorities worldwide. Today, it forms part of national immunisation programmes in well over 100 countries (including Rwanda, our very own African success story
of nearly eliminating Cervical Cancer!) and has already resulted in dramatic reductions in HPV infections, cervical pre-cancers and, increasingly, cervical cancer itself.
Protecting children against future cancer is the purpose of HPV immunisation.
Screening saves lives
Even women who have received HPV vaccination should continue routine cervical screening. Screening can detect abnormal cervical cells long before cancer develops, allowing treatment at an early stage when outcomes are excellent. Women should speak with their healthcare provider regarding:
• Pap smear screening or the VIA screening procedure across Namibia;
• HPV DNA testing where available;
• Appropriate screening intervals based on age and medical history
Addressing vaccine concerns with facts
The HPV vaccine has been used globally for nearly two decades, with ongoing safety monitoring by health authorities worldwide. Today, it forms part of national immunisation programmes in well over 100 countries (including Rwanda nearly eliminating cervical cancer) and has already resulted in dramatic reductions in HPV infections, cervical pre-cancers and, increasingly, cervical cancer itself.
Screening saves lives
Even women who have received HPV vaccination should continue routine cervical screening. Screening can detect abnormal cervical cells long before cancer develops, allowing treatment at an early stage when outcomes are excellent. Women should speak with their healthcare provider regarding:
• Pap smear screening or the VIA screening procedure across Namibia;
• HPV DNA testing where available;
• Appropriate screening intervals based on age and medical history
Know the warning signs
Early cervical cancer frequently causes no symptoms, making regular screening essential.
Symptoms requiring prompt medical evaluation include:
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause
• Persistent, unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, but they should never be ignored. - For more information on available screenings at CAN, send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit the website at www.can.org.na.
Did you know?
First
Rwanda was the first African nation to launch a national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in 2011.
