MODULE 3C: CERVICAL CANCER: What to Teach

NOTE: Before attempting any of the accompanying quizzes, there are 3 ways to complete the lessons. All 3 options contain identical information, and ANY one of the three can be used for the study. Kindly note that, whichever option is chosen, all the quizzes must be attempted and passed before a certificate is obtained for the Course. These options are:

1. ONLINE VIDEO OPTION: Watch the video below;
2. OFFLINE PDF (DOWNLOADABLE) OPTION: Download the attached PDF, read the material offline, then come back to complete the quizzes. This option allows the data requirements to be minimized, and may be the most cost-effective option for those in Nigeria and other developing countries;
3. ONLINE LESSON TEXT: Read all sections of the texts for this Curriculum, and go on to answer the associated quizzes.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this Module, participants are expected to:

1. Know about cervical cancer teachings with respect to its General Knowledge; AND
2. Know about cervical cancer teachings with respect to screenings, risk factors, early symptoms, preventive practices and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

OPTION 1: ONLINE VIDEO

OPTION 2: OFFLINE PDF

Click HERE to Download the PDF of this lesson. Note that there is a need to return to this page and complete all associated quizzes.

OPTION 3: ONLINE LESSON TEXT

Outline

1. Cervical cancer teachings: General Knowledge
2. Cervical cancer teachings: Risk Factors
3. Cervical cancer teachings: Symptoms
4. Cervical cancer teachings: Screening
5. Cervical cancer teachings: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
6. Cervical cancer teachings: Prevention
7. Trial quiz

NOTE: All 45 minutes of the Cervical Cancer Teachings must Cover the Following:

1. 1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE on cervical cancers
   2. Knowledge of cervical cancer RISK FACTORS
   3. Knowledge of cervical cancer SYMPTOMS
   4. Knowledge of cervical cancer SCREENING AND PAP SMEARS
   5. Knowledge of cervical cancer VACCINATIONS AND the HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV)
   6. Knowledge of cervical cancer PREVENTIVE PRACTICES

   Please, first watch the video above, and then read the texts below.

3C-1: Cervical Cancer Teachings: General Knowledge

• The cervix is part of the female reproductive organ
• The cervix is also called “neck” of the womb
• The cervix connects lower part of the womb (uterus) to the top of the vagina

3C-2: Cervical Cancer Teachings: Risk Factors

• Early onset of unprotected sexual activities
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having many babies (more than 4)
• Having sexually transmitted diseases (infections)
• Engaging in pre-marital sexual intercourse
• Lack of regular cervical screening tests

3C-3: Cervical Cancer Teachings: Symptoms

EARLY SYMPTOMS

• Early cervical cancers usually present with NO symptoms

SYMPTOMS WHEN CANCER IS ADVANCED

• • Irregular, inter-menstrual bleeding or abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Bleeding after sexual intercourse
  • Fatigue/tiredness, weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Vaginal discomfort or odorous discharge from vagina
  • Etc.

3C-4: Cervical Cancer Teachings: Screening 

1. Can be through THREE techniques:
   1. Pap Test/Pap Smear
   2. Liquid-based cytology
   3. HPV testing

   NOTE:

   Pap smear is the most common screening method in Nigeria:

   • Can help detect early cervical cancer§In developed countries: from 2 years after onset of intercourse or ≥18 years, whichever is later
   • In Nigeria: for sexually active women starting from the age of 30 years
   • Should be done at least every 2 years for those who are eligible

3C-5: Cervical Cancer Teachings: THE HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV)

1. THE HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV):
   1. Sexually transmissible, and usually at the very first sexual activity if unprotected
   2. More easily transmitted to women who  have sex at very young (teenage) ages
   3. Preventable by avoiding sexual intercourse
   4. Preventable by using condoms
   5. Responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancers
   6. Transmissible also by non-penetrative sex (like skin-to-skin genital contact)
2. INFECTIONS FROM THE HPV:
   1. Can take 15 to 20 years before developing to cervical cancer in normal individuals
   2. Can take only 5 to 10 years to develop in immuno-suppressed women (AIDS, Cancer, Long term steroid medications, poor nutrition, etc.)
   3. Can also cause cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and throat
   4. Can also cause non-cancer diseases in the genitalia, nose, mouth and lungs

3C-6: Cervical Cancer Teachings: PREVENTION

PREVENTIVE PRACTICES

1. 1. Relevant vaccinations
   2. Male circumcisions
   3. Use of condoms by those already engaged in sexual activity
   4. Adopting lifestyle modifications

NOTES ON HPV VACCINATIONS

1. Helps protect against cervical cancers
2. Highly recommended by the WHO; It is effective and safe
3. Recommended for boys and girls aged 9 to 13 years
4. To be effective, HPV Vaccine should be given before the first exposure to sexual activity.

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