The original publication is available at http://www.cmej.org.za/index.php/cmejCervical cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in
women in southern Africa, with an estimated lifetime risk of 1 in
26.1 Unfortunately most of these cancers are also diagnosed at a
late stage, with subsequent poor prognosis for long-term survival.
This very high incidence is particularly sad in an era where
advances in medical science have made cervical cancer a mostly
preventable disease. In most developed economies cervical cancer
has become a less common occurrence due to intensive screening
and preventive strategies
