Cervical cancer is one of the many common cancer types among women. This type of cancer has its source in the cervix, the hollow part that connects the uterus and vagina. Most cases of cervical cancer start in the surface cells of the cervix. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is believed to be the causative agent, transmitted through sexual fluid. Before advanced screening was introduced, cervix cancer was associated with the most cancer mortalities among American women.
Several factors might put women at high risk of contracting cervical cancer.
Some of these risk factors include:
- Having unprotected sex with multiple partners. Women with more than one sexual partner are more likely to acquire HPV.
- Having underlying sexual infections. Women with other sexual infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, or HIV/AIDS are at high risk of contracting the HPV.
- Early sexual activity. Young girls who are exposed to sexual activities have high chances of acquiring HPV.
- Smoking. Women who smoke and have HPV are at high risk of activating the virus in their bodies.
The following tips can significantly help in prevention for cervical cancer:
1. Get vaccinated
There are two known vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil, that protects the body from most of the HPV, which are capable of causing cervical cancer. These vaccines have been found beneficial in protecting anal cancer. Your doctor will discuss with you to see whether you are eligible for the HPV vaccine.
2. Have protected sex
Many studies have shown that women with more than one sexual partner are more likely to acquire HPV, thus increasing their chance of developing cervical cancer compared to their counterparts who have one partner. Sexually active women are advised to practice safe sex by using protection. Condoms, either for males or females, are recommended.
3. Take routine pap tests
Pap tests help the doctor detect any abnormalities in the cervical cells, and when noticed early, prompt actions can be taken before cancer starts developing. Women should take a test once every three years. Besides, if a woman begins experiencing unusual bleeding after having intercourse, she should visit a gynecologist for evaluation.
4. Quit smoking
Women who smoke are twice likely to develop cervical cancer than those who don’t smoke. Several pieces of research have shown that ingredients in tobacco impact the DNA structure of the cervix cell. When the DNA structure is disoriented, there are high risks of cervical cancer development.
5. Treatments for Cervical Cancer
If diagnosed early, treatments for cervical cancer may include; removing of cancellous cells either through surgery or biopsy, or removing the uterus, a process known as hysterectomy.
In the case where cancer has spread throughout the cervix, or it has metastasized beyond the area it started, a number of different treatments may be required. Hysterectomy is a common treatment option preferred. In some patient’s radical hysterectomy is carried out, which involves removing parts of the vagina and nearby lymph nodes.
After hysterectomy, radiation and chemotherapy treatments follow, which aims to destroy any remaining cancer cells. However, these treatments are known to cause severe side effects such as loss of hair and nausea. To minimize the impact of side effects, patients are advised to have regular exercise, observe healthy diets, and take the prescribed medications.