Cervical cancer is a type of cancer found in women that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina. In the United States alone, more than 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus). HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual intercourse. There are many different types of HPV. Some strains lead to cervical cancer. (Other strains may cause genital warts, while others do not cause any problems at all.)
RISK FACTORS.
- Multiple sexual partners
- Having sex at an early age
- Sexual partners who have multiple partners or who participate in high-risk sexual activities.
- Weakened immune system
- Poor economic factor(Not being able to afford regular pap smear)
- Ignorance**
SYMPTOMS
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
- Any bleeding after menopause
- Continuous vaginal discharge, which may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling
- Periods become heavier and last longer than usual
- Others include back pain, fatigue, leg pain, leaking of urine/feces from the vaginal, weight loss, lack of appetite, swollen legs etc.
PREVENTION
- HPV immunization
- Pap smear
- Limit numbers of sexual partners and avoid partners who participate in high risk sexual activities.
- (to be continued)
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