CERVICAL CANCER:THE SILENCE KILLER

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix.The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.

 

SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour 
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

 

TYPES OF CERVICAL CANCER

•                Squamouscell carcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix.

•            Adenocarcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.

RISK FACTORS;

•                    Many sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners and the greater your partner's number of sexual partners ,the greater your chance of acquiring HPV.

•                    Early sexual activity. Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.

•                Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS .

•                 A weakened immune system. You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.

•                     Smoking. Smoking is associated with squamous cell cervical cancer.

•                      Exposure to miscarriage prevention drug. If your mother took a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant in the 1950s, you may have an increased risk of a certain type of cervical cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

 

Prevention

•                   Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPVinfection may reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Ask your doctor whether an HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.

•                    Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Most medical organizations suggest beginning routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every few years.

•                      Practice safe sex. Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.

•                      Don't smoke. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit.

Share: