Cancer is a term that conjures up images of terrible health stress and fear, sometimes culminating in death. However, over a period of time, through education and awareness, we have now come to understand that not all cancers are fatal. by the Community Fight Against the Preventable Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the many cancers that may be cured if it is diagnosed. Treated early and under the right medical guidance.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and with that in mind, this article seeks to raise awareness and provide a basic understanding of this cancer and also the means to prevent and treat it.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer, as the name implies, is cancer detected in the cells of a woman’s cervix, the section of the vagina that enters into the uterus. HPV (human papillomavirus), a fairly prevalent kind of virus, is the cause of this malignancy. Various strains of HPV are proven to cause cervical cancer.
The human body’s immune system is geared to combat such kinds of viruses and keeps overall health under check. However, in a small number of people, these viruses survive and establish a home in the human body. The HPV then contributes to the transformation of cervical cells into cancer cells.
Statistics related to Cervical Cancer
A few decades ago cervical cancer was a reason for a high number of deaths in women in the United States. The figures were concerning for the health authorities. Due to the awareness and aggressive measures, the incidence rate and the death rate of this cancer have dropped by close to 50 percent as compared to the 1970s.
The American Cancer Society predicts that in the year 2021, almost 15000 cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed. And while advances have been made, it is concerning that approximately 4000 women will also die due to this cancer.
Cervical cancer is most common in the age group of women between 35 and 44 years. Most women ignore the sign assuming that after a certain age their chances of contracting cervical cancer are nullified. That is not true. 20 per cent of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in women over 65 years of age. So, you always need to be vigilant and look for signs.
What are the first signs of having Cervical Cancer?
Here are a few of the many red flags you need to keep an eye out for:
- Longer menstrual cycles with heavier bleeding;
- Bleeding before and even after your menstrual cycle;
- Spotting during menopause;
- Unbearable and persistent pain during intercourse;
- Bleeding post intercourse;
- Mild to severe and unexplained back pain.
Prevention against Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer can be prevented. Yes! You heard it right. Here are a few preventive measures you can adopt:
- HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine provides protection against close to 200 types of related viruses. In the United States, Cervarix, Gardasil 9 and Gardasil have received the required permits of usage. Despite that, Gardasil 9 is the only vaccine that is used in the United States.
As per the recommendation given by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the HPV vaccine can be given to people in the age group from 9 through 26 years. The doses of vaccination shall depend on two factors:
(1) the age at which the vaccine is taken
(2) the report of the medical examination of the concerned person.
- Screening
Screening is a medical procedure that aids in the detection of early indicators of cancer or precancerous alterations in the cells. The HPV test and the Pap test are two frequent screening procedures that are done on cells from a woman’s cervix.
- Go for routine Pap tests. Pap tests enable doctors to detect abnormalities — changes on the cells on your cervix — and take action before cervical cancer develops
- Follow up on abnormal Pap smears
- Get vaccinated
- Practice safe sex
- Quit smoking
The American Cancer Society recommends that every woman in the age group of 25 to 65 years should receive their HPV test at least once every 5 years. Additionally, it is recommended that women go for their routine Pap tests. Finally, three are some behavior elements as well:
- Have safe sex by using a condom;
- Avoid having multiple sex partners;
- Smoking increases the chances of getting cervical cancer and many other cancers. So, quit smoking.
January – Awareness Month for Cervical Cancer
The conventional method to designate a specific day or month to spread awareness about a particular health condition has been fruitful. It helps health authorities to drive the attention of the common public towards that health condition. Not just that, it also helps them in educating the masses about the preventive measures to be undertaken.
Similarly, and with the same goal in mind, the month of January is marked to raise awareness of cervical cancer. So, contact your doctor in January, follow their advice, and get your Pap test or HPV vaccine.
This January takes a step further and invigorates others in your immediate circle also to do the same. Community Fight Against the Preventable Cervical Cancer is important, therefore take action to maintain your community healthy and free of cervical cancer.
Take the first step and book an appointment today with TrueHealth for yourself and your loved ones. For more details visit our website or call on (631) 581-0737 or send us an email at scheduler@truehealthdocs.com.