What every woman should know about cervical cancer

As we mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the stark reality is that this preventable disease continues to claim the lives of 350,000 women globally every year. As one of the most common types of cancer affecting women worldwide, this disease is a pressing concern that demands attention and action.

Let’s delve into the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies of cervical cancer, empowering women with the knowledge they need to take control of their health and well-being.

Understanding cervical cancer

Learning about cervical cancer is a step towards preventing it, via LinkedIn

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, grow and multiply uncontrollably. The primary cause of this cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. While HPV is often harmless, certain high-risk strains can lead to  cancer.

Symptoms of the disease may not appear until the disease has advanced. However, women should be aware of the following warning signs; abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause, pelvic pain or discomfort during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, and significant weight loss.

While other conditions can cause these symptoms, contact your doctor if you are worried or if symptoms persist. This is important for anyone with a cervix, whether you are straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans men.

Risk factors: Who’s most vulnerable?

Risk factors associated with cervical cancer, via Tuskegee University

While any woman with a cervix can develop cervical cancer, certain factors increase the risk:

Age: Women between 30 and 50 are more likely to develop cervical cancer

HPV infection: Women with a history of HPV are also at risk.

Smoking: Smoking doubles the risk of this cancer.

Weakened immune system: Women with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications are more susceptible.

Family history: Women with a family history of cervical cancer are at higher risk.

Early childbirth: Women who have given birth to multiple children or had children at an early age (under 17 years old)

Long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Evidence shows that taking oral contraceptives (OCs) for a long time increases the risk of getting the disease. It also suggests that the risk decreases after the OCs are stopped.

Diethylstilbestrol exposure: Women whose mothers took the hormonal medicine Diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with them are at risk of getting rare vaginal and cervical cancer

Previous cases: Women who have had vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer in the past are also at risk

Prevention is key: Strategies for reducing risk

The disease is 100% preventable, via Everyday Health

The good news is that cervical cancer is 100% preventable, and here are the best ways to reduce your risk;

Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine is available for women aged 9-45 and can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine protects against specific types of HPV that put women at risk.

Get screened: Regular Pap Smear tests can detect abnormal cell changes before they become cancerous.

Practice safe sex: Using condoms and having fewer sexual partners can reduce the risk of HPV transmission.

Don’t smoke: Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of this disease.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can help keep your immune system strong.

As we observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, let’s remember that knowledge is power. By understanding the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies, women can take control of their reproductive health and reduce their risk of cervical cancer.

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