Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of cervical cells or cervical dysplasia, caused by a sexually transmitted virus namely Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
The Pelvic pain, increased vaginal discharge and abnormal vaginal, bleeding are the symptoms of cervical cancer. Prolonged use of contraceptive pills and having multiple sexual partners are the major risk factors.
Cervical cancer can be diagnosed by a PAP smear (Papanicolaou smear) combined with an HPV test. The stages of cancer can be detected by X-ray, CT scan, MRI and PET scan. Radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy are the options of treatment for cervical cancer.
The precancerous changes in the cervical region can be detected by modem screening techniques and therefore cervical cancer screening can be done for women above 30 years of age once a year. Now vaccination to prevent cervical cancer is available and the HPV vaccination can be given to girls aged between 9-13 years before they attain puberty. Cervical cancer can be prevented by modifications in lifestyle such as having a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco usage, preventing early marriages, practicing monogamy, and regular exercise.
