When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix connects the upper part of the uterus to the vag*na. Cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent, because there is a vaccine and a screening test available. It also is highly curable when found and treated early. On the other hand, it is also very common and can be deadly if one does not treat the condition early enough.
Causes:
The human papilloma virus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sexual relationship, is the main cause of cervical cancer and also causes many vag*nal and vulvar cancers. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer.
There are also many types of HPV. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that, over time, it may cause cervical cancer. So though it is known that people will have a great chance to have cancer, the person who might get it cannot be identified other than using the risk factors.
Risk Factors -
All women are at risk for cervical cancer. There are some women who have higher risk factors and they are as follows:
1. Any woman over the age of 30 is at a higher risk.
2. Higher risk for HPV:
* started having sex at an early age,
* multiple sex partners.
3. Not having regular Pap tests is a risk factor as it prevents early identification and treatment.
4. Not following up a Pap test result that is not normal.
5. Having HIV or another condition that weakens the immune system will increase the risk.
6. Women who are Smoking frequently are also at a higher risk of having cervical cancer.
Screening Methods(early detection)
Two tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early:
* Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately - recommended for all women.
* HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.
Prevention of cervical cancer
* HPV Vaccine: Recommended for girls 11-26 years old. It protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vag*nal and vulvar cancers.
Reducing risk:Abstaining from smoking, using condoms during sex and also limiting the number of sexual partners help to prevent cervical cancer.
Signs and Symptoms - Early on, cervical cancer usually does not cause signs and symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vag*na, such as bleeding after sex. They may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor immediately.
Treatment
The treatment of cervical cancer is just like that for any other cancer and it includes methods like surgery where the abnormal tissues are removed. The other kinds of treatments that are available for a person affected by cervical cancer include those like chemotherapy and radiation.
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