Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix, which connects the uterus and the vaginal canal, alter. This cancer can harm their cervix’s deeper tissues and spread to other parts of their body (metastasize), most commonly the lungs, liver, bladder, vaginal, and rectum.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be prevented with a vaccine.
Cervical cancer spreads slowly, so it’s typically possible to detect and cure it before it becomes a significant problem. Thanks to increased screening through Pap tests, it is killing less and fewer women each year.
It is most common in women between the ages of 35 and 44. However, women over 65 account for more than 15% of new cases, particularly those who haven’t had routine screenings.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer originates with abnormal tissue alterations. The majority of instances are caused by HPV infection. HPV can cause serious warts, genital warts, and other skin problems in different ways. Others have been related to vulva, vaginal, penis, anus, tongue, and tonsil malignancies.
What Are The Cervical Cancer Risk Factors?
If you do any of the following, you may be at an increased risk of cervical cancer:
- Have you had sex before the age of 16 or within a year of the start of your period?
- Have a variety of sexual partners
- Take birth control pills, especially if you’ve been on them for more than 5 years.
- Cigarettes are smoked.
- Have a compromised immune system?
- Have you been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease? (STD)
What Are The Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer symptoms may not appear until it is advanced. They may include the following:
- When you have sex, it hurts.
- Vaginal bleeding that occurs unexpectedly, such as after intercourse, between periods, after menopause, or following a pelvic exam.
- Vaginal discharge that is unusual.
The cancer can cause the following symptoms after it has spread:
- Pelvic discomfort
- Peeing problems
- Legs swollen
- Failure of the kidneys
- Bone ache
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue
Cancer Test Wait Putting Lives At Risk
Thousands of Scottish women’s lives are at risk as a result of measures to “quietly” reduce the number of routine cervical screening appointments available, cancer survivors worry.
People aged 25 to 49 in England are still eligible for a free NHS test every three years. In Scotland, however, the interval between tests has been increased to every five years.
The adjustments took effect in March 2020, when a new human papillomavirus (HPV) test was announced, and the screening program was temporarily halted owing to Covid-19 limits.
The Scottish government stated that by combining this more effective test with the HPV vaccination campaign, which began in schools in 2008, they aimed to “finally wipe out cervical cancer.”
Growing delays in carrying out essential tests on cancer patients on the NHS are jeopardizing their chances of survival, experts in the disease warn today.
According to new official statistics, the number of persons who have to wait more than six weeks for an MRI or CT scan has doubled in a year and is at its highest level since 2008.
Under the coalition, the number of persons forced to wait longer than the declared maximum period for every sort of cancer test, including endoscopy and ultrasound, has increased dramatically.
If a cancer patient is discovered late, they may obtain therapy later than would have been the case normally, or they may require more invasive treatment than would’ve been the case if the cancer had been detected earlier. It can, in certain situations, lower their chances of survival or possibly determine whether surgeons are able to just save them.
Conclusion
However, everyone should receive timely care, and NHS England and others are closely monitoring local performance and taking steps to ensure that all patients have prompt access to tests and treatment. The NHS is doing more tests than ever before, and the number of people who have waited more than six weeks accounts for slightly over 2% of the total.
People May Ask
What Puts You At Higher Risk Of Cervical Cancer?
The most major risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus family that includes over 150 different viruses. Several of them create papilloma’s, more popularly known as warts, which are a form of growth.
What Is The Current Recommendation For Cervical Cancer Screening?
Everyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 65 should be screened for cervical cancer every 5 years with an HPV test alone, according to the American Cancer Society. If HPV testing is not available, persons can be tested every 5 years with an HPV/Pap cotest or every 3 years with a Pap test.
Can You Live A Long Life After Cervical Cancer?
More than 60 people out of 100 (or 60%) will live 5 years or longer after being diagnosed with cancer. More than 50 women out of 100 (or more than 50%) will live for 10 years or longer after being diagnosed with cancer.
Can Cervical Cancer Go Away?
Cervical cancer can be cured. There’s a strong chance you’ll recover totally and have no fertility issues if it’s discovered and treated early. However, some cervical cancer treatments can have an impact on your fertility.
Does Cervical Cancer Spread Fast?
Cervical cancer takes a long time to develop. The aberrant alterations in the cervix can take years, if not decades, to develop into invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer may develop more quickly in persons who have weakened immune systems, but it will still take at least 5 years to develop.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb).
What causes cervical cancer?
The primary cause is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Other factors include smoking, a weakened immune system, and a family history of cervical cancer.
What are the common symptoms of cervical cancer?
Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during sex, and unusual vaginal discharge. However, early cervical cancer often has no symptoms.
How can cervical cancer be prevented?
Cervical cancer can be prevented with the HPV vaccine, regular Pap smears, and safe sexual practices. It’s crucial to avoid smoking as well.
What is a Pap smear, and how often should I have one?
A Pap smear is a test that checks for cervical cancer. Typically, women should start having Pap smears at age 21 and then follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for the frequency of tests.
Can men get cervical cancer?
No, cervical cancer specifically affects women because it occurs in the cervix, which is part of the female reproductive system.
What are the stages of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is typically divided into stages 0, I, II, III, and IV, with sub-stages further defining the extent and spread of the cancer.
How is cervical cancer treated?
Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and other factors.
Is cervical cancer curable if detected early?
Yes, cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected early through regular screenings like Pap smears. Early detection increases the chances of a complete cure.
Is cervical cancer common worldwide?
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare and screening programs.
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Disclaimer
The ideas and suggestions in this article are provided for general information only and should not be taken as medical advice. Before beginning any program or making any dietary changes, always consult your doctor
