Cervical cancer is a disease of the cervix, which is the narrow lower part of woman’s uterus. It is when the cervix’s cells divide very fast and produce so much tissue that a cervix tumor is formed.
This cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is very common, easily transmitted and is resistant to heat and extreme dryness (dessication).
You can get HPV through skin to skin genital contact even without sexual penetration. Touching genitals orally or with your hands can also spread HPV. Even dead cells shed during intercourse can contain HPV and remain infective for days.
Non sexual routes can also occur when contaminated clothing is shared between people. Every woman is at risk, although the following cases are prone to these diseases:
*** Those women who started having intercourse at the young age.
*** To those who engage in multi sexual partners.
*** To those who smoke.
*** Those on long term using of oral contraceptives.
*** To those with sexually transmitted disease and infections.
Unfortunately, early cervical cancer generally produces no symptoms. It is only as the cancer progresses that some signs may appear. Its manifestations are: vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause; watery and bloody vaginal discharge that may flow heavily and have a foul odor; and pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
Regular screening is recommended to all women within 3 years after they become sexually active. The recommended tests are as follows:
*** Pap Smear test (Papanicolaou Smear Test) – Your doctor brushes cells from your cervix to check for abnormalities.
*** HPV DNA Test (Human Papillomavirus DNA Test) – This determines whether you are infected with any of the 13 types of HPV that most likely lead to cervical cancer.
*** VIA (Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid) – Your doctor will apply 5% acetic acid to your uterine cervix and performed a naked eye visual inspection for cervical precancerous lesions.
The risk of developing cervical cancer is five times higher in women who are not regularly screened. Other ways of preventing cervical cancer is to get vaccinated with HPV; practicing monogamy or sticking to just one partner; and the use of condom can help thwart the disease.