Women all over the world are deeply concerned by the cervical cancer which develops where the vagina is joined to the uterus at its lowest part. Even though the introduction and immunization initiatives have helped to reduce the likelihood of contracting this disease today compared to some years back, it is still a dangerous disease particularly in parts of the world where people have no easy approach to treatment.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is mostly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Normally, HPV infections come and go without causing any problems, with the immune system preventing any further infections. Despite this, there is a very low likelihood that if a certain strain is left untreated, it might end up as cervical cancer (OSF). Factors such as smoking are also believed to have an impact on the HPV infection’s ability to cause cancer.
Smoking: Tobacco use increases the risk of cervical cancer and can also make treatment less effective.
Weak immune system: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive medications, can make individuals more susceptible to HPV infections and cervical cancer.
Early sexual activity: Starting sexual activity at a young age increases the risk of HPV infection.
Multiple sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners can increase exposure to HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Family history: A history of cervical cancer in close relatives may slightly increase the risk.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
In the early stages, cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms may occur:
⦁ Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This includes bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause.
⦁ Pelvic pain: Pain during intercourse or pelvic pain unrelated to menstruation or injury.
⦁ Unusual vaginal discharge: Changes in the color, odor, or amount of vaginal discharge.
⦁ Painful urination: This can occur if the cancer has spread to nearby tissues.
Important note: these symptoms may be due to other conditions and not necessarily cervical cancer however; therefore. Medical attention should be sought in case you show any one of these symptoms as they keep on or become worse with time.
Prevention and Screening
In order to reduce the toll of cervical cancer, critical elements are prevention and prompt identification. Below are some must-do steps:
⦁ HPV Vaccination: The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with the most common high-risk HPV types. Vaccination is recommended for both males and females before they become sexually active.
⦁ Regular Screening: Pap smears, also known as Pap tests, are used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. The HPV test can also be done in conjunction with a Pap smear to screen for high-risk HPV types.
⦁ Safe Sexual Practices: Using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections. Limiting the number of sexual partners can also lower the risk.
⦁ Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting can lower your risk of cervical cancer and improve your overall health.
Treatment Options
In case of cervical cancer diagnosis, possible courses of treatment are determined based on the cancer stage, the general health status of the individual as well as personal tastes. This can include:
⦁ Surgery: Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue may be recommended for early-stage cervical cancer.
⦁ Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells.
⦁ Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
At times it may be required to use two or more types of treatment in order for the sickness to go away completely. You should talk over with a health care provider about various treatments so they can help you choose which might suit you best depending on what you are going through at that particular moment.
Conclusion
Early discovery of cervical cancer and preventing is possible today because the ailment can be treated when it is detected early. Thus, through taking preventive measures and understanding the symptoms and causes of the disease, an individual can prevent this ailment. An array of measures including receiving vaccines, practicing safe sex and opting for lifestyle choices as well as undergoing regular screenings will go a long way in reducing chances of contracting this deadly illness and enhancing recovery of those infected with it.