How to lower your risk of cervical cancer

HPV vaccination for girls from age 10: Kenya moved to a single dose in 2025. Regular screening, which finds changes years before they become cancer. Treatment of abnormal cells found at screening, often on the same day. Condoms, which lower HPV and HIV risk. Not smoking. Knowing your HIV status, because women with HIV need more frequent checks.

Not always. Some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, so finding problems early through checks matters as much as healthy habits.

First sex or first pregnancy at a young age, and many full-term pregnancies.

Signs worth checking include bleeding after sex; bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause; a watery, bloody or foul-smelling vaginal discharge; and pain in the pelvis, lower back or legs.

Knowing your own risk factors is the first step. 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.