Is South Africa on track to eliminate cervical cancer from the country?

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in South African women after breast cancer, with Africa having the highest burden of cervical cancer globally. The National Cancer Registry (NCR) reports an incidence rate of 22.56 per 100 000 for all South African women and 27.01 for black South African women.  

The high cost of cancer and the potential financial fall-out is immense, especially for women who don’t have the necessary policies in place to cover unexpected expenses, such as a carer or an extended – and often unpaid – absence from work.  

While advisers are not expected to be medical experts, they can help their clients understand the potential financial implications, put policies in place to protect them financially, and encourage them to take the necessary steps to lower the risk of developing cervical cancer.  

Understanding cervical cancer  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes over 90% of all cervical and anal cancers, plus over 70% of oropharyngeal cancers, along with many vaginal, vulvar and penile cancers. South Africa’s high cervical cancer incidence rate can be attributed to multiple factors, but to name but one: a high prevalence of HPV in South Africa. 

While the government offers free HPV vaccinations to young girls across the country, ideally vaccination should be gender neutral, given that HPV causes many other cancers that affect both genders, and approximately 91% of men (and 85% of women) with a sexual partner will be infected with HPV during their lifetime. We need to strongly urge all parents to vaccinate their girls and boys. The vaccination of boys will protect women from cervical cancer, later. 

For girls, especially, failing to vaccinate could be devastating. Most cervical cancers that are detected at an early stage are managed with fertility-sparing procedures; however, these can cause an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm labour, as the cervix plays a critical role in ensuring that the pregnancy reaches term by protecting the growing baby.  

A strong vaccination roll-out and a willingness from families to participate could eliminate HPV-associated cancers and save countless lives. These injections can protect our girls from the psychological, physical and financial toll of cancer. One decision early on could save a life later. 

Protecting against the financial fall-out of cancer 

Medical aid and gap cover have capped limits, so there may be significant shortfall for some oncology treatments. Treatment side effects may also mean a person needs extended leave, meaning no income for several months. There are also various unforeseen expenses, to name a few: childcare, scans, blood tests, a nurse or carer, petrol to get to appointments, and more. Policies like severe illness cover can make a major difference in fielding these additional costs. 

Sadly, it’s often only after a major health event that people seek first-time insurance cover. At that point, they may be uninsurable. It’s so important to educate your clients on the importance of having the foundations in place, to cover them and their loved ones against life’s curveballs, like cancer.