Cervical cancer is a disease that originates in the cells lining the cervix. It can expand to various parts of the body. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women between 20 and 35 years old. It develops from the cells of the cervix, which is at the lower part of the uterus (womb). Many women do not have symptoms early on and may not know they are at risk for cervical cancer until it’s too late. Regular Pap tests can find changes to cells before a woman notices anything wrong. Most cases happen among women who have not been regularly screened for cervical cancer.
SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s in the late stages, so knowing your body and being aware of your health is important. To help fight cervical cancer, we aim to keep you informed with the latest news and research on this disease.
Regular cervical cancer indications are:
• Unusual bleeding, such as within periods, after sex, or after menopause
• Vaginal discharge that seems or smells unusual than normal
• Discomfort in the pelvis
• Requiring to pee more often
• Burning during urination
Cervical cancer was once one of the most well-known reasons for cancer death for women. The cervical cancer death rate declined significantly with the increased screening. (This screening method can find changes in the cervix before cancer forms. It can also find cervical cancer at an early stage− when it’s tiny and easy to cure.)
SCREENING INFORMATION FOR CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer. It is preceded by premalignant cervical changes, which are slow-growing and often asymptomatic. Screening tests can detect the presence of these changes before they develop into invasive cancers. Evidence supports that both HPV DNA testing and Pap cytology (with or without HPV DNA testing) decrease mortality rates from cervical cancer by 20% to 55%.
The comprehensive aim of cervical cancer screening is to:
• Lessen the number of people who die from cancer, or entirely exclude deaths from the cancer
• Lessen the number of people, developing the cervical cancer
A Pap test and an HPV test work together to help prevent cervical cancer. The Pap test checks for cell changes in the cervix, while the HPV test checks for a virus that can lead to these changes. HPV is a virus that develops through sexual contact and can spread throughout the entire body. It also leads to cancer. If your screening tests are not under control, your doctor may do more tests, such as biopsy.
IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER
This article is about the importance of regular screening for cervical cancer. Pap test screening has lowered the death rate from cervical cancer by more than 50%. But it misses cases that develop into cervical cancer. So, now we are using a newer HPV test to find infections that may lead to cervical cancer.
• Early detection of cervical cancer may save your life
• A Pap test is an important part of a woman’s regular healthcare
• Early screening can find changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer
• Having a test every year is as important to your health as brushing your teeth, eating healthy and exercising regularly
Women who get the recommended screening tests for cervical cancer are more likely to find out if they have any abnormal cells in their cervix before they turn into cervical cancers. If a woman finds out she has abnormal cells, she can take steps to get them removed so that she doesn’t develop cervical cancer.
The writer is Director, Lifeline Laboratory.