UCT Prof receives Order of the Baobab (Silver) for cervical cancer work in SA

Source: ©supplied. Prof Lynette Denny

Denny is based in the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Denny, who has been the recipient of many awards, including the 2006 Department of Science and Technology Award for Women in Science in the category Distinguished Scientist Award, says receiving a National Order is particularly memorable.

“This rates very highly, as it is recognition from my own beloved country, and really honours my many patients and my colleagues and teams who have supported and inspired me throughout my journey,” says Denny.

Denny has been involved in community-based research since 1995 dedicated to innovative, accessible, safe and effective methods of preventing cervical cancer.

Alternatives to Pap test

Historically, cervical cancer was rendered a rare disease in northern and well-resourced countries after the widespread introduction of the Pap smear, a screening procedure for cervical cancer.

“This test is a real public health triumph where correctly implemented.

“However, this did not extend to low-and middle-income countries where the logistics, infrastructure, human and financial resources were insufficient to support national cervical cancer prevention programmes,” she says.

Denny and her team began exploring alternatives to the Pap smear in 1995, in collaboration with colleagues at Columbia University, New York.
Most cervical cancers are associated with HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. Widespread immunisation with the HPV vaccine could reduce the impact of cervical cancer and other cancers caused by HPV.

Two million schoolgirls in South Africa have already received the HPV vaccine, and Denny attributes much of this success to sound communication and collaboration.

“This collaboration is ongoing; and up until today we have screened between 50,000 and 60,000 women aged 30 years and older residing in Khayelitsha.
“We have written numerous scientific articles and introduced our conceptual and practical intervention to colleagues all over the world,” she says.

Success of HPV vaccine

“Implementing HPV vaccination in this country was a function of collaboration between politicians and the Departments of Health, Education and Social Development.

“Excellent messaging programmes were developed, and there was widespread investment in raising awareness. Of the over 400,000 girls in Grade 4 who were given their first dose of HPV vaccine in 2014, only 10 cases of adverse events were reported, and all were minor,” she says.

4th most common cancer in women

Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer globally in women – the most common being breast cancer, followed by lung cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer.

Areas most commonly affected by cervical cancer include sub-Saharan Africa, Melanesia, Asia and South-east Asia. Worldwide, over 600,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and over 300,000 deaths from cervical cancer recorded annually.

In South Africa, the statistics are shaped by inequity. “In South Africa, there are over 10,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed with approximately 5,000 deaths per year,” Denny explains.

“The Age Standardised Incidence rate of cervical cancer among white women in South Africa is about 10 cases per 100,000 and over 30 cases per 100,000 black African women, reflecting the great inequality in access to preventative health services for black African women,” Denny adds.

National Orders are the highest awards that the country bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.