Facts about Cervical Cancer
Globally, is it is estimated that 570,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and over 300,000 women will die from the disease this year.
Most cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and this virus spreads through sexual contact. Most exposure to HPV is fought off by our bodies but sometimes the virus leads to cancer. It usually takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer cells.
And… cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with the vaccination and appropriate screening.
Symptoms:
Early cervical cancer may have no symptoms
Pelvic pain
Irregular bleeding from the vagina
Fatigue
Nausea
Weight loss
Risk factors for cervical cancer:
Higher numbers of sexual partners
Early sexual activity
Other sexually transmitted infections
Smoking
Exposure to miscarriage prevention drug (DES)
Prevention:
HPV vaccine (CDC recommends starting the 2 dose vaccine at age 11-12 up to age 26)
Routine pap tests (Pap with HPV testing every 3 years starting age 21, then every 3-5 years at age 30 until age 65 *discuss with your health care provider)
Practice safe sex using a condom
Abstinence from sex
Don’t smoke
Treatment:
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Both chemotherapy and radiation
Cervical cancer treatment will depend on the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread beyond the cervix, and whether you would like to be pregnant someday.