Utilisation and Outcomes of Cervical Cancer Prevention Services Among Hiv-Infected Women in Cape Town (Original Articles) (Report)
South African Medical Journal 2010, Jan, 100, 1
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- 2,99 €
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- 2,99 €
Description de l’éditeur
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among South African women. The age-standardised mortality rate from cervical cancer is 21.0% in South Africa but only 8.9% worldwide. (1,2) This differential highlights inequality in the availability of screening for easily treated precursor lesions. South Africa's cervical cancer burden severity is compounded by its HIV epidemic (2008 adult prevalence rate 18.1%). (3) In HIV-infected women, the risk of developing squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) is increased, and the annual incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is 4-5 times greater than in the general population. (4,5) CIN appears in younger women and progresses to cancer more quickly in the presence of HIV. (6) Cancer screening rates in South Africa are low, regardless of HIV status. Papanicolaou (Pap) screening rates are as low as 4% among women 15-65 years of age, with most performed in antenatal or family planning clinics. (7) In 2000, the South African Department of Health published guidelines for a comprehensive national cervical cancer screening programme.