Cervical cancer is the 2nd deadliest cancer for women. However, thanks to an increase in research and better access to screenings, the death rate of cervical cancer has dropped by more than half. It is important to know your body, protect yourself, and spread awareness, so we have put together a list of everything you need to know about cervical cancer.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer, the 4th most common cancer found in women, causes the cells of the cervix to abnormally grow. Cervical cancer can affect women of any age, with an average of 11,500 new cases being diagnosed each year. Typically, cervical cancer affects women between 35-44, with the average age being 50 years old. There are several types of cervical cancers, but the main two are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
What causes cervical cancer?
There has been a lot of progress in research regarding cervical cancer. Risk factors that increase the odds of developing cervical cancer have been identified, including smoking, a weak immune system, and long-term use of oral contraceptives. The main cause of cervical cancer is the infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is spread from one person to another during skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity. Having a family history of cervical cancer can also put you at risk.
Signs of cervical cancer:
Symptoms of cervical cancer can vary depending on the case and the individual but often include spotting between periods, persistent back or pelvic pain, bleeding after menopause, a change in menstrual cycle, and pain during intercourse. Sometimes, these symptoms could be related to a different issue, so it is important to share anything new or unusual with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are usually no symptoms, however, cervical cancer can be diagnosed by tests ordered by your doctor, including Pap tests, HPV tests, and colposcopy tests. The 5-year survival rate of cervical cancer when caught in the early stages is 92%.
How to reduce the risk:
There are several ways to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. We encourage you to avoid smoking, practice safe sex, and get the HPV vaccine. Another way to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer is to get a Pap smear regularly. A Pap smear checks for precancerous cells and can help to diagnose cervical cancer in the early stages when it is easier to treat.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear, schedule your regular check-up appointment with your provider at Greenville Women’s Care. Talk to your doctor about screenings, symptoms, and risk factors, and discuss what prevention steps or vaccines may be right for you.