Cervical cancer: Symptoms and signs of the condition – and how to prevent it

 

1 in 50 indian women will develop cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cervix. Cervix is the lower part of the uterus that initiates vagina. Cervical cancer is found in the cells present on the surface of the cervix. There are 2 types of cells exists on the surface of the cervix, columnar and squamous. Where squamous cells leads to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. It starts as a precancerous condition called dysplasia.

Cause of Cervical Cancer:

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the virus known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Women of all ages are at risk of developing this cancer after they having begun sexual intercourse.

Risk Factors:

With the knowledge of risk factors you can save yourself and others by getting affected with cervical cancers.

• Early sex activity
• Unsafe sex
• Multiple sex partners
• First pregnancy at young age and multiple pregnancy
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
• Being overweight (obesity)
• Poor immunity
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Genetics
• Smoking

Symptoms and signs of Cervical Cancer:

Here are the top warning signs you should not ignore

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

An untimely bound of vaginal bleeding that occurs regularly could be an indicator of cervical cancer. As cancer spreads by nearby tissues it creates new abnormal capillaries that break easily and cause bleeding. Such bleeding may happen between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, menopause and even after pelvic exam.

2. Unusual Vaginal discharge

A vaginal discharge increases, smells foul or has irregular appearances could be a sign of cervical or endometrial cancer. Vaginal discharge could be pale, watery, brown and mixed with blood.

3. Discomfort while Urinating

Cervical cancer can also cause discomfort during urination. In fact, it is the most prominent and obvious symptoms of this deadly disease. Urinary discomforts include bleeding, stinging or tight sensation while urinating.

4. Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is common among women. Cramping and aches are the normal part of a menstrual cycle and do not usually indicate the presence of cancer or any other serious condition. However, pain that lasts for longer periods of time and occurs more frequently could be a sign of cervical cancer.

5. Pain during sexual intercourse

Painful intercourse is another important sign of cervical cancer. This symptom usually indicates advanced cervical cancer which means that cancer has spread through tissues and reproductive organs.

6. Unexplained weight loss

As with other forms of cancer, unexplained weight loss indicates cervical cancer. While suffering from cancer, the immune system finds harder to fight and results in weight loss.

7. Lower back pain

Lower back pain can be linked to problems with reproductive organs, cervix.

Being an adult woman if you notice any unusual changes or symptoms affecting your reproductive organs, consult your doctor. Always bear in your mind that your changes of treating cervical cancer are higher if it is tested during the early stages. With the use of Pap test and HPV vaccination it has become possible to treat as wells to prevent cervical cancer.

Well proven ways to prevent cervical cancer

• The best way to prevent cervical cancer is Pap Test.

It is a pre-cancer checkup. The cells are collected from the cells and tested under microscope to find cancer and pre-cancer symptoms. Cervical cancer is expected to found in those women who have not had Pap-test regularly. This test is usually done to find pre-cancer, treat and stop the cancer before it actually starts.

• Schedule you pep-tests screenings
• Have regular Pap-smears
• Get HPV vaccines between 9-26 years of age
• Avoid using contraceptives
• Use condoms during every sexual intercourse
• Quit smoking
• Limit sexual partners

Facts about Cervical Cancer:

• Cervical cancer among women is the 2^nd most common cancer found in females after breast cancer, aged 15-44 years.
• 67,477 women die annually, 185 women die every day, 8 women die every hour and a woman dies every 8 minute.
• India Accounts for ¼ of cervical cases and deaths worldwide.

These estimations are shocking but true.

Despite being highly preventable cervical cancer still remains a leading cause of death and disability among women in India.

 

Treatment

The cervical cancer treatment depends upon the stage of cervical cancer, size and location of the tumour and age of the patient. Usually it is treated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. All the treatments are done by assuring that it doesn’t affect the uterus.