What is Cervical Cancer and How Can It Be Treated and Prevented?

Answer 1

What is cervical cancer?

The cervix is the female hormone that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cancer occurs when the cells in the cervix begin to grow and divide abnormally. It is caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. Women who have had many sexual partners or had sex before the age of 18 are at the greatest risk for developing Cervical cancer. Additionally, cervical cancer is more common in women who have a weakened immune system.

What are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Most women will not notice any symptoms during the early stages of cervical cancer. Bloody discharge and pelvic pain are signs of advanced cervical cancer. Women who have any symptom that concerns them should not hesitate to see their doctors.

What are some of the treatment options for cervical cancer?

If a patient is in the early stage of cervical cancer, the doctor will elect to perform an hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a procedure that removes the uterus. If a woman is found to be in the advanced stage of cervical cancer, the doctor will order radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy uses energy to kill the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy uses drugs to get rid of the cancer.

What can be done to prevent cervical cancer?

One of the best things that women can do to prevent cervical cancer is get pap smears regularly. Women who are between the ages of 21 and 30 should get a pap smear at least once every two years. A woman should get a pap smear at least every three years after her 30th birthday.

Doctors also recommend that women and girls who are between the ages of 9 and 26 get the Gardasil shot. This vaccination helps protect against some of the most dangerous types of HPV. Additionally, women should limit the number of sexual partners that they have.