Every day, 16 women in South Africa lose their lives to cervical cancer. Thes devastating disease is the second most common cancer among women in the country, and it’s most often caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as the human papillomavirus (HPV).
To combat this, the health NGO, Right to Care, is urging men to consider circumcision as a way to protect themselves and their partners.
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in September, Right to Care highlighted the crucial role men could play in reducing the rates of cervical cancer by opting for circumcision.
How HPV and cervical cancer are connected
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and it can be spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. In most cases, people who contract HPV don’t show any symptoms and the infection clears up on its own.
However, persistent HPV infections, especially with high-risk strains, can lead to cervical cancer. In fact, 95% of cervical cancers are caused by untreated HPV infections.
HPV doesn’t just cause cervical cancer. It’s also linked to other cancers, including anal, penile and even breast cancer. Research has shown that male circumcision can significantly reduce the transmission of HPV, helping lower the incidence of the cancers.
Male circumcision has been medically proved to reduce the spread of HIV and other STIs, including HPV, by up to 60%.
Dr Khumbulani Moyo, the head of the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Programme at Right to Care, said circumcision could be one of the most effective ways for men to protect their and their partner’s health.
“As part of our national male circumcision programme, we ask men to consider circumcision as one of the single biggest ways to not only protect their health but to protect the health of their female partners by preventing South Africa’s high rates of cervical cancer,” Moyo said.
A comprehensive review of 81 studies has provided strong evidence that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of HPV infection in women.
Those with circumcised partners are less likely to contract HPV, which, in turn, lowers their risk of developing cervical cancer.
What can men expect when going for circumcision?
For those who might be nervous about the procedure, Moyo reassured them that medical circumcision was a quick and relatively painless process. Performed under local anaesthetic, the procedure took only 30 minutes.
Aside from an initial injection for the anaesthetic, there was little pain involved.
“Your health-care worker will tell you everything you need to know, including how to care for your wound,” Moyo added.
In addition to reducing the risk of HIV by up to 60%, circumcision also lowers the transmission of HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. The simple procedure can have a life-saving impact, not just for men but for their partners as well.
Male circumcision is often a sensitive topic in South Africa but popular comedian, artist and motivational presenter, Simphiwe Shembe, is working to change that.
As a descendant of the prophet Isaiah Shembe, Shembe has begun openly discussing male circumcision, determined to break the stigma around it.
Through his involvement with Right to Care’s campaign, ukuSoka (circumcision), he is encouraging men to embrace circumcision as a positive lifestyle choice.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to HIV and the other benefits of circumcision," Shembe said.
"Males over 15 now have the chance to take the bold step to circumcise by making use of the free and voluntary medical circumcision programme available in their community.”
Since 2012, Right to Care has safely performed more than 1.5 million circumcisions.
Moyo said the process, when done in a medical facility and under sterile conditions, did not negatively affect sexual function or pleasure.
“Many men worry about the effect circumcision may have on their sex life, but there is no need for concern,” he said.
While circumcision plays a significant role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer, Moyo also urged women to take charge of their health through regular screenings.
“In addition to encouraging men to circumcise, we also urge women to screen for cervical cancer with a Pap smear or HPV test,” he said. Early detection is key in preventing the disease from progressing.
Where to go for circumcision in the eThekwini District
For men in the eThekwini district interested in circumcision, several clinics are available and operate on Fridays. All clinics are open from 7.30am until 4pm. Some of the locations:
KwaMashu Poly Clinic: G1400, Bhejane Road, KwaMashu
Lamontville Clinic: corner Gwala Street and Msizi Dube Road, Lamontville
Pinetown Clinic: 18 Chapel Street, Pinetown
St Aidan’s Hospital: 33 Centenary Road, Durban
Adams Clinic: 4125, D995 Sheleni Road, Adams Mission, Cele