Cervical Cancer Can Be Stopped

This cancer starts slowly and can be found early with a simple test. Dr. Bruce Semo at Irys Medical Center helps women stay safe with screening and treatment in Nairobi. Prevention Starts Here.

Cervical screening and care at Irys Medical Center

What is Cervical Cancer?

It’s cancer that grows in the cervix — the narrow part at the bottom of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

It starts when normal cells change and grow out of control. But this takes years. That’s why early checks save lives.

The Main Cause: HPV

HPV = Human Papillomavirus. A common virus passed during sex.

Most HPV goes away on its own. But some types stay and can turn normal cells into cancer over 10–15 years.

Not all HPV causes cancer. But nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

Warning Signs to Watch

Sign What It Feels Like
Bleeding after sex Spotting or bleeding right after intimacy
Bleeding between periods Unexpected light or heavy bleeding
Foul-smelling discharge Unusual smell or color
Pelvic pain Deep ache in lower belly

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Get the HPV Vaccine

Best at age 9–14, but safe up to 45.
Stops cancer-causing HPV.

Regular Screening

Pap smear or HPV test every 3–5 years starting at age 25.

Screening Tests We Offer

Pap Smear

Quick swab of cervix cells.
Checks for abnormal changes.

HPV DNA Test

Finds high-risk HPV types.
More accurate than Pap alone.

Treatment That Works

Early Changes

LEEP or cryotherapy
Removes bad cells in clinic

Early Cancer

Cone biopsy or simple hysterectomy
Removes cancer completely

Advanced Cancer

Radiation + chemo
Done with top oncologists

Pap Smear: 5-Minute Lifesaver

How: Lie on exam table, small brush collects cells

Time: Less than 5 minutes

Pain: Mild discomfort, like a quick pinch

Result: Back in 3–5 days

HPV Test: Find the Virus

Same swab as Pap smear.
Checks for cancer-causing HPV.
Recommended every 5 years from age 30.

Colposcopy: Closer Look

If Pap or HPV is abnormal, we use a magnifying scope to see the cervix clearly.

  • 10-minute clinic visit
  • Small biopsy if needed
  • Results in 1 week

LEEP: Remove Bad Cells

What It Does

Uses a hot wire loop to remove abnormal cells

Recovery

Done in clinic
Go home same day
Light spotting for 2 weeks

Dr. Bruce Semo’s Cervical Health Clinic

Every Tuesday & Thursday at Irys Medical Center

  • Free Pap smear counseling
  • Same-day Pap + HPV test
  • Colposcopy on-site
  • LEEP within 48 hours
  • HPV vaccine available
  • Follow-up in 2 weeks

“One test can change everything.”

Book Screening