By Simphiwe Matsebula
As a focal point under the READY+ project in Eswatini, I have worked closely with Young People Living with HIV (YPLHIV). One of the most devastating challenges they face is the increased risk of developing cervical cancer—a preventable disease that can add unimaginable sorrow to their already complex health journey.
For women living with HIV, the burden of cervical cancer is disproportionately high. The immune system, already weakened by HIV, struggles to fight off infections like the human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. In Eswatini, where the dual epidemic of HIV and cervical cancer has left a significant impact, the need for awareness and early action cannot be overstated.
The Added Burden for PLHIV
Living with HIV is already a lifelong commitment to treatment, regular check-ups, and facing societal stigma. When cervical cancer enters the picture, it multiplies the challenges. Treatment for cervical cancer can be physically taxing, emotionally draining, and financially overwhelming—especially for someone already managing the demands of HIV.
Worse, cervical cancer often goes undetected until it is advanced because it develops silently in the early stages. By the time symptoms like unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, or fatigue appear, the disease may have progressed, making treatment more difficult and outcomes less favorable.
The Importance of Early Screening
Despite its devastating effects, cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable when detected early. Screening is the cornerstone of this prevention. Regular cervical cancer screenings, even for women who feel perfectly healthy and have no symptoms, are vital.
Why Screen Early?
- Silent Beginnings: Cervical cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages. Screening helps catch the disease before it becomes invasive, providing an opportunity for effective treatment.
- Increased Risk for PLHIV: Women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than their HIV-negative peers. Early detection can prevent progression.
- Improved Treatment Outcomes: When cervical cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher.
How Screening Helps
Screening tests like Pap smears and HPV testing can detect abnormal cells or high-risk HPV types before they develop into cancer. Women living with HIV are encouraged to screen more frequently—often every one to three years—depending on their healthcare provider’s recommendations.
A Message to Women Living with HIV
To my fellow women living with HIV: cervical cancer is not a battle you should have to face. By prioritizing regular screenings, you are taking a crucial step toward protecting your health and securing your future. Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, get screened. Prevention is always better than cure, and early detection can save your life.
The Role of Community and Advocacy
Projects like READY+ are working tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of cervical cancer prevention among Young People Living with HIV. We encourage community leaders, healthcare providers, and families to join hands in ensuring that every woman, especially those living with HIV, understands the importance of early screening and has access to it.
Together, We Can Break the Chain
Cervical cancer does not have to be a death sentence. By spreading awareness, advocating for regular screenings, and ensuring access to HPV vaccines, we can significantly reduce its impact on women living with HIV. Let us work together to break the chain of added sorrow that cervical cancer brings into the lives of people already managing HIV.