Cervical Cancer: Causes, Prevention, and Understanding

Cervical cancer affects approximately 500,000 women globally. Cervical cancer, the fourth most frequent malignancy in women, kills 300,000 people annually. This page discusses cervical cancer, its causes, and prevention.

Cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, the lower uterus that links to the vagina. The cervix lets sperm into the uterus and lets the baby out during birthing.

HPV, a sexually transmitted illness that affects men and women, causes most cervical cancers. The virus can alter cervix cells, causing cancer.

Cervical Cancer Signs

Cervical cancer frequently has no symptoms in its early stages, therefore regular screening is necessary to detect anomalies. As cancer advances, several symptoms may appear:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding between cycles, after intercourse, or after menopause

Sex pain

Odd vaginal discharge

Pelvic pain

Fatigue

Fat loss

These symptoms require medical treatment.

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Pelvic exams, Pap testing, and biopsies diagnose cervical cancer. A pelvic exam checks the cervix and vagina for abnormalities. Pap tests capture cervix cells to identify changes. Biopsies can confirm cervical cancer if aberrant cells are identified.

Cervical Cancer Prevention

HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer best. Girls and boys aged 11-12 should have the HPV vaccination, which can be administered until 26. guys who sex guys and transgender individuals should also use it.

Even after HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening is essential. The American Cancer Society advises 21-year-olds to start Pap exams. Women 30–65 can obtain a Pap test every three years or an HPV test every five years.

Safe sex, stopping smoking, and a healthy lifestyle also prevent cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Treatment

Stage and type determine cervical cancer therapy. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy are popular treatments. These therapies may be combined.

Surgery removes malignant tissue from the cervix, whereas radiation treatment kills cancer cells with high-energy radiation. Targeted treatment targets cancer-causing proteins or pathways, whereas chemotherapy kills cancer cells.

Conclusion

Millions of women suffer from cervical cancer. Screening and prevention can discover and cure it early. Preventing cervical cancer requires a healthy lifestyle, HPV vaccination, and frequent Pap testing.