Cervical Cancer Step 1 AWARENESS
Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
When exposed to HPV, a woman's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small group of women, however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cells on the surface of the cervix to become cancerous.
Cervical cancer can often be successfully treated when it's detected early. It is usually diagnosed via cervical screening tests and confirmed with a biopsy of cervical tissue. The main treatments for early-stage cervical cancers are surgery and radiation therapy; chemotherapy may also be used.
As I’ve learned more about Cervical Cancer I wanted share what I know so others can be more educated about this disease as well and find resources for help because you’re not alone!
What Is Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells on the cervix. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the most common among women under age 25. Each year, 12,000 American women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 4,000 die from it — though these numbers are decreasing due to more frequent Pap smears. Cervical cancer is also one of the leading causes of death among young black women in America today; their mortality rate from this type of cancer is twice as high as that for white women.*
Cervical cancer can be prevented if you have regular Pap tests to find abnormal cells before they become dangerous. If your doctor finds precancerous changes, he or she can treat them before they become cervical cancer and spread throughout your body.*
Who Does Cervical Cancer Affect?
You may be wondering, "Who does cervical cancer affect?" The answer is: anyone. But it's more common in women. Cervical cancer is also more common in women who have never had children and in women who have had more sexual partners.
Signs of cervical cancer
Because cervical cancer can be detected early, you may be able to prevent it. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible:
Abnormal bleeding—bleeding or spotting between periods or after sex
Pain in your lower abdomen, pelvis, or vagina during intercourse or pelvic exam
A cervix that is:
o long, narrow and firm;
o short and wide;
o irregularly shaped; or
o covered with a cauliflower-like surface
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissue of the cervix. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus, or womb. In most cases, cervical cancer starts slowly and grows over time. Symptoms can include bleeding between periods, between sexual intercourse and after menopause; postmenopausal bleeding may be heavier than normal before your period; abnormal vaginal discharge that smells bad; itching around your vagina or anus; pain during intercourse; cramping or pain in your abdomen (belly) for more than a week; sudden severe pain in your lower back and legs without any explanation (such as an injury); difficulty walking or feeling numbness or tingling in an arm or leg
Treatments for cervical cancer
Surgery
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Palliative care (a treatment that provides relief from symptoms but doesn't cure cancer)
Hormone therapy (a treatment that uses hormones to shrink tumors and slow down the growth of cancer cells)
Targeted therapy (a treatment that attacks specific molecules in cancer cells)
Prevention strategies include HPV vaccination, Pap test screening, and condom use
Prevention of cervical cancer
As with all cancers, it is important to understand that there are many different ways to prevent cervical cancer.
Women and girls should get regular Pap smears as part of their health care. This is the only way to detect pre-cancerous cells before they become cancerous. If a woman has had two or more abnormal Pap tests in a row, she should be tested for HPV DNA in her cervix. An HPV DNA test can also be used for follow-up after treatment for abnormal cervical cell changes caused by HPV infection. The results from these tests will help guide your doctor on further testing or treatment options if you have been diagnosed with an abnormal result from a Pap smear or other diagnostic method (such as colposcopy).
Immunizations against human papillomavirus (HPV) are also recommended for women age 11–26 years without signs of cervical cancer or pre-cancerous lesions who could become sexually active within six months after vaccination; however, the vaccines are most effective when given before sexual debut so that they may protect against both early onset and late-stage disease caused by this common virus.
Cervical Cancer can be prevented. You are not alone.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Fortunately, cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening with a Pap test. If you are concerned you might have cervical cancer or want to know more about prevention and screening options, make an appointment with your doctor today.
You are not alone—the American Cancer Society estimates that over 12,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2019 alone.* If you're ready to take charge of your health and learn more about how you can reduce your risk for developing this disease, let's get started!
Cervical Cancer is a serious disease that affects women all around the world. It can be prevented, and there are organizations like ours that support those battling with it. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, we encourage you to reach out to us and let us help.