#CERVICAL #CANCER: #SCREENING is the START of a CURE

 

What is CANCER of the CERVIX?

 

The Cervix

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). The uterus has 2 parts. The upper part, called the body of the uterus, is where a baby grows. The cervix, in the lower part, connects the body of the uterus to the vagina, or birth canal.

 Cervical Cancer

Cancer of the cervix (also called cervical cancer) begins in the cells lining the cervix. These cells do not suddenly change into cancer. Instead, the normal cells of the cervix first slowly change into pre-cancer cells that can then turn into cancer. These changes may be called dysplasia. The change can take many years, but sometimes it happens faster. They can be found by the Pap test and treated to prevent cancer

 

Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that affects a person's chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person's age or race, can't be changed.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common risk factor. HPV is passed from person to person by sexual contact. You are at risk if you have:

·       sexual contact, especially at a young age (before 17)

·       a high number of sexual partners; or partners who had sex with many others

Smoking: Women who smoke are about twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don't. Smoking puts many chemicals that cause cancer into the lungs.

Weakened immune system: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS -- it is not the same as HPV. Women infected with HIV are more likely to get cancer of the cervix.

Birth control pills: Long-term use of birth control pills increases the risk of cervical cancer. Research suggests that the risk goes up the longer a woman takes "the pill," but the risk goes back down again after she stops.

Chlamydia infection: This is a common kind of bacteria that can infect women's sex organs. It is spread during sex. A woman may not know that she is infected unless she is tested for chlamydia when she gets her pelvic exam.

Diet: Women with diets low in fruits and vegetables may be at increased risk for cervical cancer.

Overweight women are more likely to develop adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

Intrauterine devices: A recent study found that women who had ever used an intrauterine device (IUD) had a lower risk of cervical cancer; even in women who had an IUD for less than a year, and the protective effect remained after the IUDs were removed.

Young age at the time of first full-term pregnancy: Women who were younger than 17 years when they had their first full-term pregnancy are almost 2 times more likely to get cervical cancer later in life than women who waited to get pregnant until they were 25 years or older.

Many pregnancies: Women who have had 3 or more full-term pregnancies have an increased risk of this cancer.

Low income: Poor women are at greater risk for cancer of the cervix. This may be because they cannot afford good health care, such as regular Pap tests.

Family history: Cervical cancer may run in some families. If your mother or sister had cervical cancer, your chances of getting the disease are 2 to 3 times higher than if no one in the family had it.

DES (diethylstilboestrol): DES is a hormone drug that was used between 1940 and 1971 for some women who were in danger of miscarriages. The daughters of women who took this drug while

 Signs and Symptoms

Early cervical pre-cancers or cancers often have no signs or symptoms. That's why it's important for women to have regular screening with a Pap test (which may be combined with a test for HPV). Symptoms often do not start until the cancer is further along and has spread to nearby areas. You should report any of the following to your doctor right away:

·   Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and spotting between periods, or having periods that are longer or heavier than usual. Bleeding after douching or after a pelvic exam may also occur.

·       An unusual discharge from the vagina (not your normal period)

·       Pain during sex

Of course, these symptoms do not mean that you have cancer. They can also be caused by something else. But you must check with a doctor to find out.

 

Screening (PAP SMEARS)

You should begin having Pap tests after becoming sexual active (vaginal intercourse). All women should have a Pap test by age 21. There are 2 kinds of Pap tests – one is done yearly; one is done every two years.

·       At age 30, if you have 3 normal Pap tests in a row, your doctor may suggest that you be screened every 2 to 3 years. You may need a Pap test more often due to your health history (if you had abnormal Pap tests, STD’s, genital warts or a weak immune system).

·       A woman over age 70 may choose to stop having cervical cancer screening after at least 3 normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal tests in 10 years.

·       Screening after a total hysterectomy if cervix is removed is usually not needed except if the surgery was done due to cancer or pre-cancer.

·       Talk to your doctor before you stop getting Pap tests.

 

 Prevention (VACCINE)

·       There are vaccines to help prevent cervical cancer. These vaccines produce immunity to certain types of HPV so that women who are exposed to these viruses will not get infections. These are administered from the age of 9 years.