What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This cancer typically develops from precancerous changes in the cervical cells, often triggered by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
YES, it is one of the very few cancers that can be prevented with timely action. About 93% of cervical cancers could be prevented by screening and HPV vaccination.
Understanding Cervical Cancer: Types and Origins
To know the answer to this question, you should know the facts about cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the mouth of the uterus. There are two types of cervical cancers, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Both the types do not cause any symptoms in the initial stages. In the later stages you may develop symptoms
What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
- Vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse or pelvic examination, or after menopause
- Painful intercourse
- Unusual vaginal discharge
As with any cancer, treatment is more effective when started early, ideally much before you get any symptoms.
How to diagnose Cervical Cancer?
By regular screening.
Cervical cancer progresses slowly. The first stage is the precancerous stage when the cells in the cervix become abnormal. From this stage to full-blown cervical cancer stage, takes a long time, about a few years. We can prevent cervical cancer from developing by treating these pre-cancerous cells. So it is essential to detect pre-cancerous cells
Pap Test
For a Pap Test, some cells from your cervix are taken and checked for any abnormal cells that could turn into cancerous cells with time. Developing pre-cancerous cells will not cause any symptom and regular screening once every 3 years is the only way to detect them. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to get treated during this stage.
HPV test
Cervical cancer is mostly caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is sexually transmitted from person to person. In most people HPV does not cause cancer, but in some it does. An HPV test detects the presence of HPV and is generally done along with Pap smear. You only have to get tested once every 5 years if your combine a pap test and HPV test.
HPV vaccination
There are two strains of HPV that are especially dangerous and preventing infection by these strains can prevent most cervical cancers. HPV vaccine prevents infection by these two strains and is one of the best ways to prevent infection which could lead to Cervical cancer. HPV vaccine is most effective when taken before you become sexually active. The best time to get the vaccine is between 11 and 26 years.
There are factors that increase your risk of getting cervical cancer. Know the risks and manage them to further reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer.
What are the risk factors of Cervical Cancer?
- Multiple pregnancies
- Long-term use of birth control pill
- Weak immunity
- First pregnancy before 17 years of age
- First intercourse before age 16
- First intercourse within a year of getting first period
- Smoking
- Multiple sex partners
- Not getting HPV vaccine
- Not getting screened
If you control these risk factors, get a regular screening for cervical cancer, get an HPV vaccine and get treatment if you have pre-cancerous cells, you can prevent cervical cancer nearly totally.
For expert screening accurate diagnosis and the best treatment for cervical cancer, contact us.