Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women, according to the WHO report. The number seems worries, however, cervical cancer is highly preventable and very treatable if the patients find it early. It is good to learn more about the disease.
What is the cause of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lowest part of women’s uterus connecting with the vagina. It begins with the unusual changes in the cervical tissue, in which it mostly associated with infection with human papillomavirus aka HPV.
What are the risks and what to do to reduce the risk?
All women are at risk for cervical cancer, most women diagnosed with precancerous cells in their 30s. But most women diagnosed with cervical cancer are in their mid-50s. HPV is commonly sexually transmitted; hence, early sexual contact, sexually active people and people using birth control pills for a long time can increase the risk exposure.
Regularly screening in every 3-5 years is the most important for women to detect precancerous cells starting at age 20s. The pap tests can spot any abnormal changes in cervical cells before they develop to become cancer.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
The early stage of cervical cancer often causes no symptoms. Thus, the regular screening test is a must-do for women.
Symptoms may show when cancer develops further advanced, in that case, the patient might notice some symptoms including; abnormal bleeding or discharge that contain from the vagina.
Do not panic, these symptoms are not necessarily indicating that it is cancer as other infections or diseases can cause them too. Consult the gynaecologist first if anyone notices the abnormal signs.
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