Cervical Cancer is Deadly Illness
Cervical cancer is the third common type of cancer affecting women all over the world. Cervical cancer shows a high mortality and morbidity rates, but is also one of the most preventable types of cancers. It occurs when the ells adapt an abnormal growth rate in the cervix and presents the second most common problem in the reproductive systems of women. Cervical cancer is common in women who are aged between 35 and 50. The mortality and morbidity rates of cervical cancer differ among the white, African and Hispanic women. The African women have a higher morbidity rates than the white and the Hispanic. The United States have an incidence of around 10,520 cases yearly and spend approximately $2 billion to treat cervical cancer cases.
The Causes of Cervical Cancer
The causes of cervical cancer are many, but the initial stage occurs when there is an abnormal growth of the cervical tissues. The abnormal growth of the cervical tissue may be due to the presence or exposure to the human papilloma virus or HPV, early sexual activities, having sexual relationships with multiple partners, using birth control pills for long period and smoking of cigarettes. The human papilloma virus causes skin diseases that alter cell division and growth of skin warts, genital warts that will lead to alteration of the cells in the cervix and eventually the tissues resulting in cervical cancer. Though not all cervical cancer cases arise from the HPV infections, most of the studies show that the cancerous cervical tissues have traces of HPV virus. Early sexual engagements and multiple sex partners put a woman at a higher risk of getting cervical cancer because the human papilloma virus is normally transmitted through sexual intercourse, which can cause lesions that increase the chances of developing cancer. Chemicals found in cigarettes bind with cervical cells and this may cause alteration in the growth of cervical tissues. The use of contraceptive, especially the oral ones, increases the risk of getting cervical cancer.
The Signs of Cervical Cancer
The signs of cervical cancer are not apparent during the early stages, but as it advances, a woman may experience bleeding in the vagina after engaging in sexual intercourse, bleeding in between the monthly menstrual periods or after a woman has reached menopause. The other signs and symptoms may be seen if there is watery virginal discharge that has a foully smell and if one experiences pain during sexual intercourse.
A gynecologist who will examine a patient with vaginal bleeding performs the diagnosis of cervical cancer. The detection of cervical cancer is done by doing a Pap test or a biopsy on the tissues of the cervix that have cancerous cells. The cells come from endocervical aspiration or endometrial biopsy hysteroscopy recognizes irregular cells higher in the uterus. A CT scan also identifies cervical cancer. The MRI and X-rays are used to identify cells that have undergone metastasis. In order to identify whether the cancer cells have spread to the bladder or the bowel, a barium study and an IVP are performed.
Cervical cancer can be easily prevented if the women reducing their exposure to risk factors increasing the development of cervical cancer. Women need to perform Pap smear tests regularly to detect HPV infection and identify pre-cancer infections. Identifying and treating HPV can reduce the chances of developing invasive cervical cancer by stopping it in its initial stages. Reducing smoking habits, practicing safe sex, having one sexual partner, and avoiding prolonged use of birth control pills help to reduce cases of cervical cancer. Effective communication and creating public awareness help to reduce the mortality rates since women get information about the different causes of cervical cancer, its symptoms and treatment.
