Cervical Cancer
What is Cervical Cancer?
8.0 out of 100,000 Asian women get cervical cancer every year although the incidence rate is decreasing. Cervical cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina). [National Cancer Institute definition, 2009] Cervical cancer usually grows slowly without any symptoms, but it is detectable with regular Pap tests.
Who are at risk?
Women with the following factors have higher risk of getting breast cancer. Among all of them, infection with HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.
1) HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
2) Lack of regular Pap tests: Doctors find abnormal cells through Pap test and killing these abnormal cells can prevent cervical cancer.
3) Smoking: Among women who are infected with HPV, smoking cigarettes slightly increases the risk of cervical cancer.
4) Weakened immune system: Infection with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or taking drugs that suppress the immune system increases the risk of cervical cancer.
5) Sexual history: Women who have had many sexual partners have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Cervical cancers at early stages are usually asymptomatic. As the cancer grows larger, women may notice one or more of these symptoms:
1) Abnormal vaginal bleeding between regular menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam
2) Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before
3) Bleeding after going through menopause
4) Increased vaginal discharge: Pelvic pain or pain during sex
How do I know if I have cervical cancer?
The pelvic exam and Pap test allow the doctor to detect abnormal changes in the cervix. If these exams show that an infection is present, the doctor treats the infection and then repeats the Pap test at a later time. If the exam or Pap test suggests something other than an infection, the doctor may repeat the Pap test and do other tests to find out what the problem is. NCI recommends that women should have regular checkups (pelvic exam and Pap test) if they are or have been sexually active or if they are age 18 or older.
Pap test
The Pap test is a simple, painless test to detect abnormal cells in and around the cervix. A women should have this test when she is not menstruating; the best time is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of her menstrual period. A Pap test can be done in a doctor’s office or a health clinic. A wooden scraper and/or a small brush is used to collect a sample of cells from the cervix and upper vagina. The cells are placed on a glass slide and sent to a medical lab to be checked for abnormality.
Pelvic Exam
The doctor checks the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum. The doctor feels these organs for any abnormality in their shape or size.
Source: National Cancer Institute
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