Cansa urges women to prioritise uterine health during Women's Month
Breast and cervical cancer remain the leading cancers affecting women in the country. Cansa continues to prioritise awareness, education and screening around these cancers.
This year, the focus is on uterine health, an often overlooked but vital aspect of women's health, to encourage earlier detection, greater awareness and informed decision-making.
ALSO READ: Support Cansa this Mandela Day by making your 67 minutes count
'The uterus is not just central to a woman's menstrual cycle,' said Lorraine Govender, Cansa national manager: health programmes.
'It plays a crucial role in women's overall health. The challenge is that many women are unaware of common uterine conditions or dismiss symptoms as normal or something to endure quietly.'
This Women's Month, Cansa urges women to prioritise annual check-ups, ask questions and seek clarity about any reproductive health concerns. Govender stressed that heavy bleeding, severe pain and persistent pelvic pressure are not simply 'part of being a woman'. These symptoms are warning signs that require attention.
Understanding conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis and hormonal disorders is key to protecting women's health and knowing when to act.
One Johannesburg resident shared her story of experiencing symptoms including heavy bleeding, severe back pain and fatigue in 2023, not realising these were signs of uterine cancer.
ALSO READ: Workplace wellness key to early cancer detection, says Cansa
'If I had known then what I know now, I would have advocated more strongly for myself during those gynaecological visits,' she said.
Diagnosis was slow and frustrating. A tissue biopsy revealed pre-cancerous cells, and a gynaecologic oncologist quickly identified cancer and a tumour growing in her uterus.
She underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy in April this year. The final pathology confirmed stage 2 cancer.
Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is the sixth most common cancer affecting women in South Africa (when including non-melanoma skin cancers).
Despite this, awareness remains low. Mortality rates from uterine cancer have risen sharply over the past 20 years.
As with any cancer, early detection improves outcomes. That is why Cansa encourages women, especially those aged 30 and older, to be proactive about their reproductive health.
ALSO READ: Cansa launches WhatsApp channel for support
Cansa lists factors that may increase the risk of uterine cancer. These include genetics, inability to conceive, infrequent menstrual cycles or starting menstruation before age 12, oestrogen replacement therapy without progesterone, diabetes, tobacco use, lack of exercise, obesity and alcohol use.
Govender added that warning signs should never be ignored.
These include abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause), unusual discharge, and pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure, especially during intercourse or urination.
'If any of these symptoms appear or worsen, it is important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible,' she said.
Cansa's toll-free help desk on 080 022 6622 provides cancer support, information, counselling and referrals.
The service includes telecounselling, access to Cansa Care Centres nationwide, medical equipment hire, wigs, support groups and Cansa Care Homes where patients can stay during treatment.
Cansa also offers guidance for patients and survivors navigating the public healthcare system.
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