What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a disease that affects the cervix of the female reproductive system. The cervix is the lower end of the uterus, and leads the uterus to the vagina.Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Early cervical cancer may not cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Women should have yearly check-ups, including a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. The chance of recovery is better when cervical cancer is found early. Cervical cancer symptoms include pelvic pain, bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge and pain during intercourse.- Could Your Pelvic Pain Be Cancer?
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Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
Cervical cancer risk factors include giving birth to many children, having many sexual partners, having first sexual intercourse at a young age, smoking cigarettes, and oral contraceptive use ("the Pill"). One of the greatest risk factors is infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). A weakened immune system is also a risk factor for cervical cancer.Cervical Cancer Treatment
Depending on the stage, treatment for cervical cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.The type of treatment used varies, depending on stage and type of cervical cancer.Cervical Cancer Prevention
Preventing cervical cancer begins with avoiding the above risk factors. Women should also have regular Pap smears to check for any abnormal cervical changes that may lead to cervical cancer.The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, is a highly effective means of cervical cancer prevention. It works by preventing two types of HPV that are known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancer cases. It is currently available to young women as young as 9 through age 26.
