Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease when detected early, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Zambia. According to the World Health Organization, the disease can largely be prevented through HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment — with global strategies aiming for 90% vaccination, 70% screening, and 90% treatment coverage by 2030.
🩺 What Causes Cervical Cancer & Why Prevention Matters
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted virus. Without early detection and treatment of precancerous changes, HPV infection can progress to cervical cancer over years. Women living with HIV have a significantly higher risk of developing cervical cancer, underscoring the importance of integrated screening services.
🛡️ Prevention: Vaccination & Healthy Practices
HPV Vaccination
One of the most effective preventive tools is the HPV vaccine, typically given to girls (and in some programs boys) before exposure to the virus. Many countries include HPV vaccination in national immunisation schedules, significantly lowering future cervical cancer risk.
Behavioural Prevention
Practices such as safe sex and regular reproductive health check-ups help women manage their risk. In some nations, public health campaigns encourage women and girls to get vaccinated and screened as part of routine healthcare.
📍 Cervical Cancer Screening in Zambia
In Zambia, cervical cancer screening has expanded significantly with government and partner support, using methods appropriate for different settings:
VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid)
This low-cost screening method — where acetic acid is applied to the cervix to reveal abnormal cells — is widely used in Zambia’s public clinics and outreach programmes. It’s often paired with immediate treatment like cryotherapy for eligible lesions.
HPV Testing
More sensitive than VIA alone, HPV DNA testing has been introduced in Zambia and expanded across all provinces, improving early detection and allowing for self-sampling in some facilities.
Where Women Can Go for Screening
Women in Zambia can access cervical cancer screening and related services at many public health facilities and hospitals, including:
- University Teaching Hospital (UTH) – Largest referral hospital with cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services including early cancer care.
- Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital – Tertiary hospital offering gynecological care and screening in Lusaka Province.
- Kitwe Teaching Hospital – Provides comprehensive health services, often including cervical screening integrated into women’s health.
- Ndola Teaching Hospital – Hospital with capacity to support cancer screening and referral services.
👉 In addition to these major hospitals, many district health centres and clinics across Zambia offer VIA screening and follow-up treatment as part of national programmes.
🩹 Screening Techniques Used Around the World
Different countries use a mix of standardised methods based on resources and healthcare infrastructure:
- HPV DNA Testing (High Sensitivity): Common in high-income countries and increasingly in middle-income markets. Multiple studies show HPV testing can improve detection of precancerous lesions and reduce mortality.
- Pap Smear (Cytology): Traditional method used in many developed nations; it detects abnormal cells before cancer develops and has dramatically reduced incidence wherever routine screening is widespread.
- Self-Collection HPV Tests: Some countries are innovating with self-sample options to increase uptake among underserved populations.
💊 Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer
Precancerous Lesion Treatment
If screening identifies precancerous changes:
- Cryotherapy — Freezes abnormal tissue to prevent progression.
- Thermal Ablation — Uses heat energy to destroy abnormal cells, increasingly used in outreach settings.
- LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) — Removes affected tissue with a loop-shaped wire; available at higher-level facilities in Zambia.
Invasive Cancer Treatment
For advanced disease, options typically involve:
- Surgery — Radical hysterectomy to remove cancerous organs.
- Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy — Often provided at specialised cancer centres like the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka (linked with UTH).
🌍 Global Progress & Hope
Progress in countries like Australia — leveraging HPV vaccination and self-collection screening — shows the potential to significantly reduce cervical cancer rates and even approach elimination in the future. Many nations are also scaling up education and awareness campaigns to encourage screening uptake.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Cervical cancer is largely preventable and treatable with early detection and care.
- In Zambia, programmes integrate VIA, HPV testing, cryotherapy, LEEP, and referrals through major hospitals and clinics.
- HPV vaccination, routine screening, and timely treatment are essential strategies both locally and globally.