Track 28: Cervical Cancer:-
What you should know about cervical cancer:-
- In India, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent malignancy among women. Every lady must take the required precautions. This article will teach you much more about cervical cancer, including its causes, stages, and therapies. Don’t forget to tell the women in your life about it to let them know.
- Every woman must take the essential precautions against cervical cancer, which is the second most frequent malignancy among Indian women. Share this blog with the women in your lives to help them keep informed on the causes, stages, therapies, and much more about cervical cancer.
- Cancer is an unchecked cell proliferation in a specific bodily area that can harm the surrounding tissue and spread to other organs. The damaged area develops a mass (tumour) as a result of these aberrant cells.
- The cervix, which connects the vagina to the uterus and is a part of the female reproductive system, is where cervical cancer first appears. It is a zone of transition where numerous cells are dividing and shedding skin.
How old may a woman be diagnosed with cervical cancer?
Women between the ages of 15 and 44, who are primarily in the reproductive group, can get cervical cancer. Women above the age of 44 may, however, also develop it in uncommon circumstances. Regular cervical PAP smears are required to look for abnormal cells since cervical cancer develops slowly over a period of 10–15 years.
Cervical cancer causes include:-
The main factor causing cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Even while HPV comes in a wide variety, only a few of them are known to cause cervical cancer. This virus, which affects the mouth, throat, and genitalia, is spread through sexual contact.
Other causes of cervical cancer include:-
Numerous other variables can raise your risk of developing cervical cancer even though HPV is one of the most common causes.
- Several sexual partners
- Those who suffer from sexually transmitted infections
- Patients with weak immunity include those who are HIV positive, have had organ transplants, or are receiving immunosuppressants. These medications weaken the immune system, which reduces the body’s capacity to reject transplanted organs.
- Being pregnant three or more times
- Smoking
- Continuous usage of oral contraceptives
- Having your first child before turning 20
- Lower socioeconomic class – Women in this group frequently lack access to proper hygienic facilities. The risk of HPV infections is also increased by unprotected sexual activity.
- Genetic variations
Cervical cancer symptoms include:-
The early stages of cervical cancer have relatively generic symptoms that can also be seen in more widespread benign conditions. But if you have any of the symptoms listed below, you need to see a doctor right away.
- Having bleeding between periods
- Heavy bleeding throughout your periods compared to normal
- Pain during or during sexual contact
- Bleeding following sexual activity
- Unpleasant odour coming from your vagina
- Pelvic discomfort or agony
- Symptoms of a more severe illness might range from:
- Urethral blood
- Stench-filled urine
- Stool with blood
- Faeces or urine coming out of your vagina
Diagnosis of cervical cancer:-
- HPV testing and the PAP smear aid in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. The doctor will take cells from your cervix and submit them for testing for the next two procedures during a hospital visit.
- PAP Smear: This test can find abnormal cervix cells. It is a basic clinic examination.
- Another HPV screening test to find out if the virus is present in your cervix is the HPV test. Given that this virus can lead to cervical cancer, it raises the test’s value. Additionally, it aids in determining whether or not the patient needs additional biopsies. During a colposcopic examination, the doctor can have a closer look at your cervix and check for cell changes.
- A confirmatory test to establish the existence of cervical cancer is a biopsy. If any of the tests mentioned above yield findings that look odd.
- Imaging – The next stage, if your tests are positive and cervical cancer is verified, is medical imaging to determine how cancer has spread. The results, which include a CT scan of the chest and upper abdomen as well as an MRI of the pelvis, will reveal cancer’s stage.
How long could the procedures last?
Your care team and oncologist may advise surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of two or all of these therapies, depending on your stage or the degree of your cancer’s spread. Each treatment has a balanced mix of risks and advantages. It is a good idea to go over any potential concerns you may have with your doctor before the procedure. Additionally, it is essential that you have support from family, friends, and caregivers to keep you motivated during treatment and recovery.
Prevention of cervical cancer:-
In India, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent malignancy among women. Therefore, among other prevention strategies, routine screenings and health examinations are the most crucial.
- Get routine health screenings
- The most important step in protecting oneself against numerous ailments is this one. Get checked out frequently to stay informed about your health.
- Starting PAP and HPV screenings at age 25.
- Every three years, you must have a PAP smear, and every five years, you must have both a PAP smear and an HPV test.
Purchase an HPV vaccination:-
The HPV vaccine is widely accessible today. Between the ages of 9 and 13 years old, both boys and girls can receive this vaccination from the doctor. 60 to 90% of instances can be avoided with this vaccine. If not already immunized, women between the ages of 9 and 45 are advised to get the HPV vaccine, according to the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI). The vaccine has very few, if any, negative side effects.
- Sex with protection
- Sexual contact results in the transfer of the HPV virus. Therefore, it is preferable to use condoms during sexual activity to reduce the likelihood of transmitting the HPV infection or any other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
- Stop smoking.
- One of the risks of acquiring cervical cancer is smoking. As a result, giving up smoking is necessary as a precaution.
Can cervical cancer recur after being treated once?
The likelihood of cancer returning even after therapy increases with the stage of the disease at diagnosis. However, the experience varies depending on the patient. There is always a danger of it returning, regardless of whether you have had surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. There is hence ongoing follow-up following the course of treatment.
- Once every three months after therapy is finished, follow-up is advised.
- Follow-up is advised after two years post-treatment at once every six months.
- Five years following treatment: yearly check-ins
Cervical cancer: Is it fatal?
In the advanced stage, when it has spread to the lungs and other essential organs, cervical cancer can really be fatal. The cervix may even obstruct the pee pipes due to its proximity to the urinary bladder.
You need to be informed and have routine check-ups. Cervical cancer will not be fatal if detected at an early stage, according to research.
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Subtopics Of Cervical cancer:-
- Cervical Cancer Diagnosis – HPV & Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Awareness
- Cervical cancer – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
- What is the main cause of cervical cancer?
- Is cervical cancer usually curable?
- What happens to your body when you have cervical cancer?
- What are the 5 most common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?
- What Is Cervical Cancer? | Types of Cervical Cancer
- Images for cervical cancer
- Cervical Cancer—Patient Version
- Cervical Cancer – Overview, Risk, Causes, and Prevention
- Cervical Cancer – Learn About Warning Signs
Track 28: Cervical Cancer:-
Is there a connection between pregnancy and cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is not brought on by pregnancy. Cervical cancer is a concern for women whose first pregnancy occurred before the age of 20 or who have had three or more pregnancies.
What happens if cervical cancer is discovered in a pregnant woman?
The type of therapy a woman receives if she receives a cervical cancer diagnosis while pregnant varies on cancer’s stage and trimester of pregnancy. Chemotherapy can be taken into consideration in the second and third trimesters. The doctor needs to be consulted regarding radiation therapy. For a woman who wants to end the pregnancy early on, surgery may be a possibility. The doctor might take into account restricted resections in a select instance where the woman intends on carrying the pregnancy to term. So, following a detailed discussion with the expectant mother, the doctor can choose a course of action.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, and no medical advice should be inferred from it. Before changing your diet or adding supplements, please talk to your doctor.
An internet clinic for women called Proactive for her provides affordable, individualized, and private healthcare options. From puberty through pregnancy to menopause, we provide out-patient care, diagnostic services, and programs for a variety of health challenges faced by Indian women.