I know cervical cancer isn't the most exciting thing to think about, but it is something you should care about. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, causing an estimated 250,000 deaths each year. Here is what I want my patients to know about cervical cancer.
Its Slow to Grow
This small, doughnut-shaped gateway to the uterus is located at the top of the vagina, and serves as the entrance to the uterus. Cervical cancer begins with abnormal, microscopic changes in the cells of the outer layer of the cervix. It tends to grow slowly and can remain in an early stage, confined to the cervical covering, for two to ten years; once the cancer spreads beyond this layer, it invades nearby tissue, including the main body of the uterus, the vagina, bladder and rectum.
The Risk Factors
Virtually all cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 80 percent of women in the U.S. have been exposed to this virus at one point or another. Often it goes away on its own within two years of exposure. But each year hundreds of thousands of women in the United States develop persistent infections from HPV. More than 10,000 will develop cervical cancer and 3,700 will die from the disease. Women who have had unprotected sex, initiate intercourse at a young age or have had many sexual partners are at greatest risk of infection. HIV, genital herpes and Chlamydia also increase risk of HPV infection, and smoking doubles the risk.
Symptom Free to Late StageIn its early stage, cervical cancer has no symptoms. Once it begins to spread, it may cause a blood-tinged or discolored vaginal discharge, spotting after intercourse or abnormal bleeding. But these symptoms can be caused by many disorders of the female reproductive tract. More advanced stages of cervical cancer can cause pelvic pain, appetite loss, weight loss and anemia. Screening for the disease is done by pelvic exam, HPV DNA test and Pap smear (I use a thin prep Pap smear because its the most accurate type of Pap test available) and I form a final diagnosis by doing additional testing.PreventionAll women over the age of 18 should have regular pelvic exams, Pap smears and an HPV DNA test to check for the virus. There is a vaccine that protects against HPV and thereby, cervical cancer, but it is only recommended for women who have not engaged in intercourse.Bottom lineCervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease no one should ever die from it! You can protect yourself by scheduling a yearly pelvic exam and by having a Pap smear at least once every three years.For more information, please visit Dr. Corio's Website.
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