Cancer of the cervix is caused by HPV infection, which is usually transmitted through sex. It occurs when cells on the cervix become abnormal and grow uncontrollably. Girls and women who are sexually active are most at risk. Early signs may include bleeding after sex or between periods. However, HPV infection often does not show signs for 10-15 years. Vaccination against HPV is available for girls aged 10 and can help prevent cervical cancer later in life.

1. 1 What is cancer of the women to go for regular
Uterus
cervix? check ups.
Ovary
The cervix is the lower part
of the womb connecting to Signs of the advanced stages
the vagina. It is also called of cancer of the cervix may
the opening of the womb. include:
Cancer of the cervix occurs • bleeding after sex
when cells on the opening • bleeding between
of the womb become menstruation periods or
abnormal and start Vagina after menopause
growing without control. • smelly discharge from the
This disease kills many Cervix (opening vagina that does not Girls aged 10 years should
women in Uganda. of the womb) improve with treatment get vaccinated against HPV.
• discharge from the vagina
that comes unexpectedly
5 Can cancer of the cervix be
If any one you know (like your
prevented?
2 What causes cancer 3 Who is most at risk of While life-long abstainance can
HPV infection? mother or auntie) has any of
of the cervix? prevent HPV, condoms can only
Anyone who engages in these signs, encourage her to
Cancer of the cervix is reduce it, not prevent it.
sex risks getting HPV visit the nearest health center
caused by the Human - HPV vaccine that prevents
infection. While both boys or hospital for a check-up and
Papilloma Virus (HPV). young girls from getting the
and girls can get the HPV proper treatment.
This virus is usually infection and developing cancer
transmitted through sex infection, it is only girls who of the cervix later in life is now
with an infected person. develop cancer of the available.
cervix later on in their lives.
The vaccine will be given to girls
4 What shows that aged 10 years. The vaccine is
someone has HPV given in the form of an injection
infection? on the upper arm. It is given in 3
Even though a person can doses. The second dose is given
get HPV infection early in one month after the first dose
life, it takes 10 to 15 years and the third dose is given six
to develop into cancer. It is Boy and girls, ask your months after the first dose. (five
therefore important for teachers more about cancer months after the second dose).
of the cervix