CERVICAL CANCER

What is cervical cancer?
It is the rapid growth of cells in the cervix. Cervix is located in between the womb and vagina. Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and following- up. It is also a highly curable when found and treated early.
What are the common symptoms of cervical cancer?
At the early stage of cervical cancer may not show any signs and symptoms.
Advance cervical cancer symptoms may include:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss and fatigue
Pelvic pain, back pain and leg pain, even single swollen leg
Heavy vaginal bleeding and leaking of urine
Bone fractures
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer and who can get it?
All women are at risk for cervical cancer, it occurs usually in women over age 30. The human papillovirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer; it is a common virus that passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. Another major risk is smoking which double the risk of developing this cancer.
Some additional factors that may increase the chance of developing cervical cancer:
HIV infection
History of sexually transmitted disease
Multiple sexual partners
Multiple pregnancies and family history
Using birth control pills for long time
Early age at first intercourse and early pregnancy are also considered as oone of the risk factors
Some theory claim that circumcision of the male partner reduces the risk of cervical cancer, although some researchers say there is compelling epidemiological evidence that men who have been circumcised are less likely to be infected with HPV.However, in men with low-risk sexual behavior and monogamous female partners, circumcision makes no difference to the risk of cervical cancer.
How to diagnose cervical cancer?
If abnormal cells are found through a Pap smear test or HPV testing is positive, then a colposcopy will be performed which identify areas of the cervix for the biopsy. The biopsy results will determine if cervical cancer or its early signs is present.
How to prevent cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is preventable. There are some test and advise to prevent cervical cancer:
Have HPV (human pappilovirus) vaccine to protect against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It is given in a series of three shots. The vaccine is recommended for all female aged 11 0r 12 and can be started at the age of 9 up 26. The vaccine is most effective if given before the first sexual experience, before women are expose to HPV virus. It was also advice by the ACIP(Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices) that HPV vaccine can be given in males aged 9-26 to prevent genital warts and precancerous lesions of the anus.
See your OB-gyne regularly for a Pap test.
Don’t smoke.
Use condoms during sex.
Limit numbers of sexual partners.
Is there any treatment for cervical cancer?
There are many options on treating cervical cancer.
1. Surgery
2. Chemotherapy
3. Radiotherapy
4. Or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
The treatment mainly depends on the size of the tumor or wether the cancer has spread. It also depends whether a woman would like to get pregnant someday or not. Your doctor can explain to your choice of treatment plan that meets your medical and personal needs. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or you may ask for a referral. You may want to see a gynecologic oncologist, a surgeon who specializes in treating female cancers. Other specialists who treat cervical cancer include gynecologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Your health care team may also include an oncology nurse and a registered dietitian. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.