Rise in cervical cancer deaths

Cervical cancer kills more women than all other types of cancer, according to an official from the Department of Health.
“Cervical cancer affects many women and it is the leading cause of deaths for cancer in the country,” Vicky Wari, programme manager for non-communicable diseases with the department, said.
Wari said the department did not have proper data collection systems to determine the rate the disease was spreading in the country.
She said most cases of cervical cancer were caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV which was spread through sexual contact.
“Other contributing factors that cause cervical cancer include personal hygiene, diet, bad habits like smoking, lack of exercise,” she said.
“Cervical cancer has the highest morbidity rate, unfortunately we are unable to state the rate in which it’s growing since we do not have a proper database for cancer in the country.
“But for our cancer base at Angau General Hospital in Lae, the last three to five years we have had about 60 to 80 cases of cervical cancer cases per year.
“It is estimated that about 1500 women die of cervical cancer annually which means about four people die daily.”
Wari said this was based on the number of women who visited the centre for assistance.
Cancer treatment in PNG includes drugs, radiation and surgery.
Wari said cervical cancer had become a problem due to the fact that the country lacked modern equipment and oncologist to assist patients. She said symptoms of cervical cancer included abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharges and significant unexplained changes in the menstrual cycle.
“Cervical cancer is a big issue in the country,” she said.
“There would be a launching of the cervical cancer awareness in which the country would focus on doing awareness.”