CERVICAL CANCER

It occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control.

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus( HPV).

You can get HPV by having sexual contact with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts.

You can have HPV for years and not know it. It stays in your body and can lead to cervical cancer years later. This is why it is important for you to have regular Pap tests.

If you do pap test and see cell changes, it will be treated to prevent cervical cancer.

Symptoms

*Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal. 

*Change in your menstrual cycle.

*Bleeding when something comes in contact with your cervix, such as during sex or when you put in a diaphragm.

*Pain during sex.

*Vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood.

Prevention of cervical cancer 

*The Pap test is the best way to find cervical cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. This may help prevent cervical cancer.

*If you are age 26 or younger, you can get the HPV vaccine in some places, which protects against two types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

*The virus is also spread through sexual contact. So always practice safe sex.

How it is treated

*Surgery, such as a hysterectomy

*Chemotherapy.

*Radiation therapy.

If you have a hysterectomy, you won't be able to have children. But hysterectomy isn't always needed, especially when cancer is found very early.