Cervical cancer is a common form of cancer. This carcinoma, which is composed of squamous cells, has cells that are similar in some features to squmous cell present in neck, anus and head. This cancer is associated with the infection of human pepillomavirus. It is one of the most common cancers seen in women.
As the name suggests Cervical cancer occurs near the cervical area or the cervix uteri. Cervical cancer often leads to bleeding from the vagina but the symptoms do not generally appear before advanced stage. In order to prevent the spread of cervical cancer several screening programs have been established in many developed countries and these programs have been successful in reducing the occurrence of this disease up to 50%.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer develops in the cells lining the cervix or the neck of the womb. These cells usually show abnormal changes in the initial stage that later develops into cancer. There are number of reasons that are responsible for the development of cervical cancer. These factors include smoking, weak immune system and infection with human papilloma virus.
Apart from smoking and papilloma virus there are several other factors responsible for cervical cancer. These include dietary factor, multiple pregnancies, hormonal contraception, and family history of cervical cancer, HIV infection, and consumption of the hormonal drug like diethylstilbestrol (DES). Contraception methods like inserting IUD are often associated with the occurrence of this cancer. However nothing conclusive has been proved in this regard.
Who Is Affected By Cervical Cancer
Through a study it has been shown that in UK cervical cancer is the second most common cancer occurring in women who are under 35 years of age. Every year around 2,700 women are seen to suffer from cervical cancer. Moreover women who have many sex partners are more likely to get affected from this disease as per the medical research and surveys conductd.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
In most of the cases where women suffer from cervical cancer no symptoms are seen in the early stage or during the abnormal development of the cells. It is for these reason women are encouraged to regularly go for screening of cervical.
Some common symptoms of this disease include bleeding in between menstrual period, bleeding after sexual intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding after menopause, and discomfort as well as pain during sex.
In the advanced stage of cervical cancer one might also experience fatigue, back pain, leaking of stool or urine from vagina, single swollen leg, leg pain, bone fracture, loss of weight, loss of appetite and pelvic pain. In advanced stage metastases may also be present in lungs and abdomen and in some other places.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Practising safe sex by using condom can prevent cervical cancer. Giving up smoking also reduces the risk of cervical cancer to a great extent. Having regular PAP smear test can also help in detecting the abnormal changes in the cells which will further help a woman to go for required treatment before she develops cancer.
The government of UK licenses several vaccines against the common types of HPV linked to cervical cancer. These vaccines have successfully reduced the number of women suffering from cervical cancer. The government of UK has also specified that the girls in between 12 to 13 should be given this vaccine to ensure that the virus of this cancer does not attack them .
Cervical Cancer Treatment
Treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage and the severity of cancer. The treatment of this cancer may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. If the cancer is diagnosed in the early stage then it can be treated by surgery, which includes local excision. But if the cancer is diagnosed in the advanced stage, it is then treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Advice
Emotional support should be provided to the family of the individual and to the individual who is suffering from this disease. The patient should be taken to the doctor at regular interval and medicines should be provided to her timely.
