# Cervical cancer: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya

_Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the opening of the womb. Signs, risk factors, screening and next steps in Kenya._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/cervical-cancer

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the opening of the womb. Almost all cases are caused by long-lasting HPV infection, and regular screening finds changes years before cancer develops. Common signs include bleeding after sex; bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause; and a watery, bloody or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

**New cervical cancer cases in Kenya each year:** 4,294
_The second most common cancer in Kenya. IARC GLOBOCAN 2024._

**Cervical cancer: at a glance**

| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Women under 25: routine screening is not recommended | HPV test, VIA/VILI or Pap smear | Cervical cancer risk assessment | Cancer risk assessments, KES 300 |

## Cervical cancer: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya: your questions answered

**Q: What is cervical cancer?**

A: Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the opening of the womb. Almost all cases are caused by long-lasting HPV infection, and regular screening finds changes years before cancer develops.

**Q: What are the signs of cervical cancer?**

A: Bleeding after sex. Bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause. A watery, bloody or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Pain in the pelvis, lower back or legs. Pain during sex. Tiredness, weight loss or swollen legs in later stages.

**Q: Who is most at risk?**

A: Long-lasting infection with high-risk HPV, especially types 16 and 18. Living with HIV, which raises the risk about six times. Never having been screened, or a long gap since the last screen. Smoking. A weakened immune system. First sex or first pregnancy at a young age, and many full-term pregnancies. Long use of the combined contraceptive pill.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause should be checked by a clinician promptly, whatever your last screening result. These signs have many causes, most of them not cancer.

**Q: How is cervical cancer checked?**

A: With HPV test, VIA/VILI or Pap smear. Women under 25: routine screening is not recommended.

**Q: What happens after a high-risk result?**

A: A positive HPV test usually leads to a VIA check to look at the cervix. Abnormal cells can often be treated the same day with cryotherapy or thermal ablation. LEEP or a referral to a gynaecologist if the area is larger. A repeat test at the interval your clinician sets. A risk result is not a diagnosis.

**Q: What should I ask my doctor?**

A: Is an HPV test available here, or will I have VIA or a Pap smear? When should I come back for my next screen? If my result is positive, can I be treated the same day? I am living with HIV: how often should I be screened? Should my daughter get the HPV vaccine, and where?

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: The Social Health Authority benefit tariffs list an HPV test at KES 3,600 and cryotherapy or thermal ablation at KES 3,000, at facilities that offer them. Screening is also often free during county campaigns.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: The cervical cancer risk assessment asks about 38 questions: HPV vaccination and test results, past treatment of abnormal cells, HIV status, sexual and pregnancy history, contraception and screening history. It flags warning signs at once and tells you which test is due: an HPV test, VIA or a Pap smear. It costs KES 300. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [IARC Global Cancer Observatory, Kenya fact sheet (GLOBOCAN 2024)](https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/404-kenya-fact-sheet.pdf)
- [World Health Organization, Cervical cancer fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer)

## More on this condition

- [How to lower your risk of cervical cancer](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/cervical-cancer/prevention)
- [Cervical cancer screening in Kenya: who, when and which test](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/cervical-cancer/screening)