Cervical Cancer: 5 Steps of Prevention

Cervical cancer takes place when there are changes in the cervix area in females, the cervix is the connecting part of the uterus and the vagina. Cancer develops when the cells start multiplying irregularly.

Cases of cervical cancer are mostly caused due to the infection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is mostly diagnosed by Pap tests and the tests have made it easier to identify cancer at initial stages.

Types of cervical cancer-

– Squamous cell carcinoma- in almost ninety percent of the cases, cancer develops in the lining of the cervix,
called squamous cell carcinoma.
– Adenocarcinoma- Cancer spreads from the mucous-producing cells.
– Mixed Carcinoma- when cancer-forming cells are present in both the cells and have features of both squamous
cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, this is also called adenosquamous carcinomas.

Other types of cancerous cells can also be developed called melanoma, lymphoma, or sarcoma.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer-

– Unusual vaginal bleeding
– Unusual vaginal discharge
– Pelvic pain
– Trouble peeing
– Fatigue
– Weight loss
– Bone pain

Prevention and Screening

– Regular screenings with Pap tests and HPV tests, can help detection of precancers.
– HPV vaccination can prevent most cases of Cervical Cancer. Vaccinations are available for preteens and kids,
starting at 9 but is recommended for 11- 12-year-olds and at 26 if you’re still not vaccinated.

Some other general preventions are-

1- Limiting sexual partners
2- Practicing safe sex by using protection and dental dams
3- Avoiding sexual intercourse with people who have multiple partners
4- Quit smoking
5- Know about your partner’s sexual history, like STDs or genital warts

HPV infection affects both males and females, although the effect of condoms is not known scientifically, case studies have shown lower cases of cervical cancer with the use of protection.

Benefits of screening

Screening can be helpful in the detection of or precancerous or early stages of cancer, even before the appearance of any symptoms or signs. The goal of it is to-

– Reduce the number of people dying for the disease
– Reduce the number of people developing this kind of cancer.

Some of the tests are –

– HPV Test- Cells from the cervix are removed and used for Pap test
– Pap Test- also called the Pap Smear, is done at the same time as a bimanual pelvic exam. It is mostly combined
with an HPV test.
– VIA- Visual inspection with Acetic Acid- Done with tools and observation, diluted white vinegar is applied to
the cervix and is checked for any abnormalities, it turns white when exposed to vinegar. This practice is only
for places with limited medical care and exposure.

Getting regular check-ups at a gynaecologist after the age of 21, and getting tests done can be a good start, taking care of your health and keeping the basic precautions in mind can help prevent a lot of problems.