Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of cancer death in women in the United States. Today, lives are saved because of regular screening with a Pap test (also called a Pap smear). Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in women and can be treated successfully if diagnosed in the early stages. Most adults get infected with HPV at some point in their lives but don’t necessarily acquire cervical cancer. Surgical options such as hysterectomy, removal of lymph nodes as well as fallopian tube and ovaries are conducted to treat the condition.

This is also opined by experts as: due to the fact that cervical cancer is most widely spread by sexual intercourse, it is considered under the category of venereal diseases. Vaccination against HPV between ages 9 to 26 is the most effective protective factor for cervical cancer.

Risk Factors

  • Women who have the human Papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus
  • Women who began having sex at an early age
  • Women who have multiple sex partners
  • Women who don’t have regular Pap tests
  • Women who smoke
  • Women who have used birth control pills for a long time
  • Women with weakened immune systems, such as women who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Women who are overweight or obese
  • Women who have a close relative, such as a sister or mother, who has had cervical cancer
  • Women who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth

Cervical Cancer Prevention & Early Detection

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and, if detected early, a cancer that can be successfully treated. Below are ways to prevent cervical cancer and detect the disease early. To prevent cervical Cancer Prevention one should avoid infection of HPV by practicing safer sex. Condoms can’t give complete protection against HPV because the virus can infect areas that aren’t covered by a condom Don’t smoke, or, if you do smoke, quit.