Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

 Invasive cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women and accounts for over 11 percent of all cancers around the world. The majority of cervical cancers grow gradually over several years with precancerous cells existing previous to the cancer cells. If precancerous cells (dysplasia) is detected early enough and removed, cervical cancer can often be prevented.

Causes and Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer.

• Most cervical cancers are associated with infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV), which can be transmitted sexually
• Associated risk factors include having had more than five complete pregnancies
• First intercourse before age eighteen
• Unprotected Sex
• Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, HPV, and genital herpes
• Early childbearing
• Multiple sex partners
• Infertility
• Low socioeconomic status
• Smoking
• Nutritional Deficiencies

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer usually causes no symptoms until it is advanced, which is why it is essential for women to have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests.

• It can cause bleeding between menstrual periods
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding after douching
• Unusual discharge
• Painful menstrual periods
• Painful heavy periods  

 

Detection and Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

The presence of abnormal cells can be detected by a Pap test, followed up with a biopsy. Women should begin having annual pelvic exams and Pap tests when sexually activity begins, or at age eighteen.