Cervical Cancer Awareness
As per our National Cancer Registry Program, cancer of the breast and cervix are the most common cancers among females in India, of which cervical cancer accounts for 6-29% of all cancers among women. Also cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India.
Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix, the lower part of the uterus or womb, which opens into the vagina. Virtually all cervical cancer cases (99%) are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common virus that is spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
At a very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. It is usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests.
1.Irregular bleeding between periods, after the menopause or after sexual intercourse
2.Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
3.Persistent pain in the back, legs or pelvis
4.Weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite
5.Vaginal discomfort
6.Swelling of legs
Causes of Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is so common that most people are infected at some point in their lives. There usually aren’t any symptoms and the infection typically resolves on its own without treatment.
Persistent infection with high risk HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
There are two tests that screen for cervical cancer:
1.Pap Test (Papanicolaou Test)
2.HPV Test
Prevention of Cervical Cancer:
The following are precautionary measures for the prevention of cervical cancer:
1.Taking vaccination against HPV
2.Screening, early diagnosis and treatment of pre-malignant lesions
3.Abstaining from smoking
4.Having a safe sexual experience
5.Minimal exposure to HPV as it spreads through skin-to-skin contact
Dr. Madhulika Vijayakumar.,MDRT, DNB RT, ECMO, FRCR,MD
Oncology
