One of the most common cancers in women worldwide is cervical cancer. It usually occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical or cervix malignancy can be dangerous in women. Although the statistics of this sickness are so shocking, if you have diagnosed it as early it can be possibly treated.
Cervical cancer affects the entrance to the uterus or womb. The cervix is the narrow part of the lower uterus, often referred to as the neck of the womb.
The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by a virus human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine successfully prevents HPV and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for all preteens. Women of all ages are at risk of developing this cancer after they begin having sexual intercourse.
Risk factors include being overweight, genetics, multiple pregnancies, multiple sex partners, poor immunity, smoking, unsafe sex, use of oral contraceptives and first pregnancy at a young age. It can be sexually transmitted and exists in many different forms. HPV infection may dissolve without treatment or develop to an abnormal cell development that could cause cervical cancer.
7 Signs of Cervical Cancer
1. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after menopause, bleeding after, bleeding vaginal sex and spotting between periods and having menstrual periods that are longer or heavier than usual. Bleeding after douching or after a pelvic exam may also occur.
Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer will experience irregular bleeding. An untimely bout of vaginal bleeding that occurs regularly could be an indicator of cervical cancer. It could also be due to other medical conditions, such as a hormonal imbalance, pelvic inflammatory disease or an infection in the pelvic organs.
Contact your doctor right away if you experience bleeding between menstrual cycles or following sexual intercourse.
2. Constant Fatigue
A busy day can wear anyone out, but with a little rest, you feel refreshed and full of energy. If you’re feeling low or lack of energy most of the time, despite resting, it could be a cause for concern.
When suffering from cancer, healthy red blood cells are replaced by white blood cells to fight off the disease. This causes anemia, leading to fatigue, lack of energy and loss of appetite. In addition, there are decreased oxygen supply to the body.
An anemic response is a warning sign that the cancer is progressing rapidly, and you need to get it treated as quickly as possible.
3. Continuous Pain in the Back, Hips or Legs
The inflammation in the cervix may compression of other organs. This may make it difficult for blood flow in the veins and may prevent blood from reaching the pelvis and legs, thus pain and swelling in the legs.
Remember, having leg pain does not mean you have cancer. If you have leg pain and a few more of the above-mentioned symptoms for a few weeks, it is best to get yourself checked by a doctor.
4. Loss of Bladder Control
Needing frequent bathroom breaks is very common among pregnant women and people who have increased their fluid intake. If you have this problem without any known reason, it may need further evaluation.
Bladder control is a primary issue when suffering from cervical cancer. It typically indicates that cancer has spread beyond a localized area and is affecting the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract. People diagnosed with this cancer often experience loss of bladder control coupled with blood in the urine.
If you have loss of bladder control (incontinence) or notice blood in your urine, consult your doctor.
5. Pain During Intercourse
Painful intercourse is another important warning sign of cervical cancer. This symptom indicates advanced cervical cancer, which means the cancer has spread throughout tissues and reproductive organs. Apart from pain, you may also experience other symptoms, such as thick, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. There are other possible reasons for this particular problem, such as an infection or STD.
Don’t ignore this symptom. Get your cervix examined by your doctor.
6. Unexplained Weight Loss
Most diseases cause lack of appetite and weight loss. The swelling in the cervix compresses the stomach leading to less eating. As with other forms of cancer, unexplained weight loss can indicate cervical cancer. When suffering from cancer, the immune system works hard to fight it.
Cytokines are the body produces small proteins, which break down fat at a much higher rate than normal. This leads to weight loss, irrespective of your diet.
If you're suddenly losing weight and have some of the other symptoms mentioned in this article, it could be due to cervical cancer. It’s very important that you get a medical checkup.
7. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
A little bit of clear, odorless vaginal discharge is normal. However, if vaginal discharge increases, smells foul or has an irregular appearance, it could be a sign of infection or cervical or endometrial cancer.
When suffering from cervical cancer, vaginal discharge could be brown, clear, foul-smelling, heavy, pale, tinged white blood, white and watery or mixed with blood. If you experience this kind of symptom, report it to your doctor right away.
When the disease starts to develop in the cervix, the uterine divider cells begin to loosen hence a watery discharge.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Cancer is the result of the uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal cells. Most of the cells in our body have a set lifespan and when they die, new cells are produced to replace them.
Abnormal cells can have two problems:
· they don't die
· they continue dividing
This results in an excessive accumulation of cells, which eventually forms a lump, otherwise known as a tumor. Scientists are not completely sure why cells become cancerous.
The Most Common Risk Causes for Cervical Cancer Include:
1. A Weakened Immune System
Such as in people with AIDS, or transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications.
2. Contraceptive Pill
Long-term use of some common contraceptive pills slightly raises a woman's risk.
3. Giving Birth at a Very Young Age
Women who give birth before the age of 17 are significantly more likely to develop cervical cancer compared with women who have their first baby after the age of 25.
4. Having Several Sexual Partners
Cervical cancer-causing HPV types are nearly always transmitted as a result of sexual contact with an infected individual. Women who have had many sexual partners generally have a higher risk of becoming infected with HPV, which raises their risk of developing cervical cancer.
5. Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Women who become infected with chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
6. Several Pregnancies
Women who have had at least three children in separate pregnancies are more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women who have never had children.
7. Smoking or Inhaling Second-hand Smoke
Increases the risk of developing many cancers, including cervical cancer.
8. STI
Being the most prevalent reason for cervical cancer, it’s essential to know the signs and side effects of HPV. Warning and preventive exams like a pap smear can help identify cervical growth at an appropriate time and should be done annually.
Cervical Cancer Treatments
Cervical cancer treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or combinations of these.
Deciding on the kind of treatment depends on several factors, such as the stage of cancer, as well as the patient's age and also a status of health.
Treatment for early-stage cervical cancer that is confined to the cervix has a good success rate. Further cancer has spread out of the area it originated from, the lower the success rate tends to be.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
· Cervical screening
· Delaying first sexual intercourse
· Having fewer sexual partners
· Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
· Safe sex and cervical cancer
· Stopping smoking
