What if your body was trying to tell you something important, but you couldn’t hear it? Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 15 to 44 in South Africa. Known as one of the ‘silent’ cancers, it can develop slowly over years – often without whispering a single symptom – with signs only appearing once the cancer has begun to grow into nearby tissue.
Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through sexual contact. While many HPV infections resolve on their own, some can persist and lead to changes in cervical cells that may become cancerous over time. Due to these changes, which are frequently undetected, awareness and proactive cervical cancer screening are essential, as an early diagnosis gives women the best chance for successful treatment and long-term remission.
While the risk of HPV-related cervical cancer is lower without sexual contact, it’s not 100% absent. “Given the nature of cervical cancer, women—even those who are not sexually active—should undergo screening,” says Tyron Hansen, Business Development Manager at BioSmart. This is supported by World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, which recommend regular cervical health checks for women aged 30 and older who haven’t had a hysterectomy, regardless of sexual history.
One of the key steps in early detection is to stay vigilant and pay attention to any unusual changes in the body. Because even if they do appear, they’re often subtle and easy to overlook. These four symptoms should not be ignored:
1. Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding between periods, after sex, or following menopause can be a sign of abnormal changes in the cervix. While there are many possible causes, persistent or unexplained bleeding should be checked out.
2. Pelvic Pain
Ongoing pelvic discomfort that isn’t linked to your menstrual cycle may signal inflammation or early cell changes, so it’s important to take note of patterns.
3. Pain During Intercourse
While pain during sex can have many causes, newly occurring or persistent discomfort may signal cervical irritation or indicate other underlying changes.
4. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
A watery, bloody, or unpleasant-smelling discharge that’s different from your normal pattern could be an early warning sign.
“Ultimately, it’s about trusting your instincts – you know your body best and when any abnormalities occur, seeking medical advice promptly can make all the difference,” Hansen stresses.
If cervical cancer progresses beyond the preliminary stages, symptoms may become more pronounced and can include:
- Persistent lower back or abdominal pain
- Swelling in the legs
- Changes in bladder or bowel habits
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
Whilst these might not always mean cancer, they do warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider.
“Unfortunately, when it comes to screening, which can identify precancerous changes and is one of the most effective forms of prevention, many women delay or avoid traditional testing altogether,” notes Hansen. “This can be due to physical discomfort, time constraints, embarrassment, or uncertainty about what it involves or whether it’s necessary. That’s one reason BioSmart developed our self-sampling HPV test: to offer a discreet, accessible way to screen for high-risk HPV types at home, without needing to visit a clinic or a doctor’s referral.
“Additionally,” he continues, “the WHO has stated that ‘self-collection of a sample for HPV testing, which may be a preferred choice for women, has been shown to be as reliable as samples collected by healthcare providers.”
Hansen emphasises that screening should fit into women’s lives, not disrupt them. “With BioSmart’s at-home HPV test, the kit arrives at your doorstep, the sample is collected at your convenience, and results are delivered confidentially by email within days. It’s tailored for women who prefer privacy and convenience.”
He concludes: “Cervical cancer may be quiet, but awareness doesn’t have to be. Every test taken is a step toward better prevention and taking control of your health, and we’re committed to making that as accessible and affordable as possible for every woman.”
Screen on your terms – visit https://biosmart.com/sexual-health-tests/hpv-pcr-test-women/ to order your at-home HPV test.