Cancer of
the cervix originates
in the cells lining the cervix (or uterine cervix) located at the lower part of
the uterus which connects to the upper vagina or birth canal. It remains as a
common cause of cancer and cancer death among women in developing countries
without access to screening or vaccines. However, if detected early, the
chances of cure are high.
Here are
ten things that every woman should know about this ailment:
1. Cervical cancer is caused when
the cervical cells change and become pre-cancerous. Hence, it is important that
those cells are found and treated before they become cancer.
2. It is one of the most preventable
cancers in women, and its death rate has dropped by more than half in the past
few decades. However, the signs or symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer do
not manifest themselves until the cancer is already in an advanced state.
3. Symptoms often do not begin until
the cancer becomes invasive and grows into nearby tissue. When this happens,
the most common symptoms are:
·
Abnormal
vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause,
bleeding and spotting between periods, and having (menstrual) periods that are
longer or heavier than usual. Bleeding after douching or after a pelvic exam
may also occur.
·
An
unusual discharge from the vagina − the discharge may contain some blood and
may occur between your periods or after menopause.
·
Pain
during sex.
4. Screening tests can detect cervical cancer and
the human papilloma virus (HPV) that usually causes it. A pap
test checks for signs the cervical cells are becoming or have
already become pre-cancerous. If the result is ‘abnormal’, the doctor will
do more tests and remove more tissue from the cervix for a biopsy.
5.
If it
turns out that the cells are pre-cancerous, it does not necessarily mean that
you will get cervical cancer. It would more likely indicate that cancer will be
prevented because of early treatment.
6.
Cervical
cancer grows slowly. It usually takes a few years for a normal cervical cell to
turn into a cancerous one, if it ever does. Thus, finding and treating
pre-cancerous cells is the best way to prevent it.
7.
An HPV
infection is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. Vaccination
against HPVs is an effective preventive measure.
8.
This type
of cancer may run in families. It is two to three times more likely for someone
to get it if their mother or sister had it. Age is another concern. Most women
who get cervical cancer are between the ages of 20 and 50.
9.
If you
are a smoker, you have double the chance of getting cervical cancer than a
nonsmoker. According to studies, tobacco byproducts can start the cell
changes that make cancer develop.
10.
Other
things that increase your chances of getting cervical cancer include long term
use of birth control pills, more than three full-term pregnancies, weakened
immune system, and a first pregnancy before age 17.
Source : WATSON
