Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. In attempts to curb it, all women aged 18 to 70 who have ever been sexually active are highly encouraged have a Pap test every two years.
A Pap test involves an instrument called a speculum that is used to part the walls of the vagina to get a clear view of the cervix.A small sample of cells is then taken from the surface of the cervix and put onto a glass slide. The slide is examined at a laboratory to look for cell changes.
This is one way of protecting yourself from this dreadful monster.
Therefore, while the following recommendations will not completely prevent cervical cancer, they will, however, lower your risk and help protect you from the disease
Constant medical check-up
Like I have mentioned before, constant Pap tests go a long way in protecting yourself from cervical cancer. Health care experts believe that regular check-up will continue to aid in fighting against cervical cancer. This is because such screening finds cervical cancer early—in its most curable stage.
Get an HPV Vaccine
This is one of the important and bold steps in fighting cervical cancer.
According to medical reports, Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer. There are two vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) that can help protect young girls against HPV. These vaccines are licensed, safe, and effective.
Girls aren't the only ones who need to be protected against HPV. While HPV doesn't affect boys, they can be carriers. The Gardasil vaccine can be given to boys to help stop HPV from spreading. These vaccines are most effective in preteens, but can safely be administered until age 26.
Practice safe sex
Just like have mentioned above, boys are carriers to HPV, a virus that causes cervical cancer. In fact, Studies have shown that women who have many sexual partners increase their risk of developing HPV and their risk of cervical cancer.
Quit smoking
Health experts have revealed that Smoking cigarettes doubles your risk of developing cervical cancer. Studies have shown that tobacco by-products damage the DNA of cervix cells and may contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
What are the early signs of cervical cancer?
Cervical Cancer: Symptoms and Signs
Blood spots or light bleeding between or following periods.
Menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual.
Bleeding after intercourse, douching, or a pelvic examination.
Increased vaginal discharge.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Bleeding after menopause.
Unexplained, persistent pelvic and/or back pain.
How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?
Once cervical cells begin to change, it typically takes 10-15 years before invasive cervical cancer develops. As the cells change, they first become "pre-cancerous" – a condition also known as "dysplasia" or CIN – the abbreviation for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
What is the most common age for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife and is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44. It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age
Is cervical cancer curable?
Stage IB Cancer of the Cervix. Small stage IB cervical cancers can be successfully cured with hysterectomy or radiation therapy in approximately 90% of patients. Bulky stage IB cancers (greater than 4 centimeters in size) are only curedin 70-75% of patients when surgery or radiation therapy is administered alone.
What is the best treatment for cervical cancer?
Treatment of stage IB and stage IIA cervical cancer may include the following: Radiation therapy with chemotherapy given at the same time. Radical hysterectomy and removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without radiation therapy to the pelvis, plus chemotherapy. Radical trachelectomy.
Treatment of stage IB and stage IIA cervical cancer may include the following: Radiation therapy with chemotherapy given at the same time. Radical hysterectomy and removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without radiation therapy to the pelvis, plus chemotherapy. Radical trachelectomy.
(The article is for informative purpose , it is recommended to consult a doctor if you have any questions.)