Cervical Cancer: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment
Cervical Cancer
Overview
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through sexual contact.
Symptoms
In the early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, after menopause, or between periods
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
Risk Factors
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
- HPV infection
- Smoking
- Multiple sexual partners
- Early age of first sexual intercourse
- Long-term use of birth control pills
- Weakened immune system
Prevention
There are two main ways to prevent cervical cancer:
- HPV vaccination: The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It is recommended for all girls and young women between the ages of 11 and 26.
- Regular Pap smears: Pap smears can detect precancerous cells in the cervix, which can be treated before they develop into cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
Outlook
The outlook for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. With early detection and treatment, the majority of women with cervical cancer can be cured.