Cervical Cancer at a glance

 

The breast cancer awareness month is over but that does not mean the sensitization should stop. There are other types of cancer such as cervical cancer which is still killing women.

Cervical cancer is uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in a woman’s cervix. It is caused by a virus called HPV,
which is spread through unprotected sex. Men infect women but cannot get the cancer.

Stages

Ø  Pre – Cancer stage: It takes more than 10 years to move to the other stage. It also has no signs and symptoms. If detected at this stage it is easy and affordable to treat.

Ø  Full Cancer stage: the symptoms may include: smelly vaginal discharge, bleeding after sex, frequent and urgent passing urine.

Most women get HPV infection at least once in 50 years but only some develop cervical cancer. The factors that increase the chances of HPV infection leading to Full Cancer are:

Ø  Becoming sexually active before 18 years

Ø  Having multiple sexual partners and not using condoms

Ø  Having a sexual partner with many sexual partners, who does not use condoms

Ø  Having other STIs such as Chlamydia, Herpes

Ø  Use of tobacco or cigarette smoking

Prevention

Ø  Insist on condom use

Ø  Get a vaccination (ages 9 – 13). The vaccine is effective for 7 – 8 years.

Ø  Go for screening to check for Pre – cancer: For HIV – women, every 3-5 years depending on the screening method and results of the initial test. For HIV+ women, every 6 months for the first year, then once a year thereafter.

Treatment

At Pre – cancer stage: If the infected area is small – Cryotherapy (Freezing of Pre –cancer cells, using a special gas.) It does not require anesthetic.

If the infected area is too big- LEEP and cold knife is used. It requires anesthetic or the woman to be asleep.

For Full Cancer Stage: It is through surgery, radio therapy or chemotherapy.

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