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The cervix is an opening to the womb from the vagina. Cancer in this region (cervical cancer) is the second most common cause of cancer among women. This is usually caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that spreads through sexual intercourse.
Most people will get exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, but for the majority, it will go away on its own without causing any symptoms. For some women, it may progress to cervical cancer.
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
Risk factors include:
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Cigarette smoking
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Weakened immunity (by medication or diseases like AIDS).
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Having multiple sexual partners.
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Repeated childbirth can be a significant risk factor. You can lower your risk of cervical cancer by using condoms, quitting smoking, and eating a balanced diet to improve immunity. Also, refer to the blog "All about Cervical Awareness Month" to learn everything about cervical cancer.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
In the early stages, you may not develop any cervical cancer symptoms. Some of the early symptoms include:
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Bleeding or abnormal discharge during sex
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Bleeding in between periods
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Bleeding after menopause
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Pelvic pain during sex
These symptoms may also be caused by other unrelated conditions, but it’s best to consult a gynecologist in Sarjapur Road.
Screening of Cervical Cancer
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Cervical screening with a Pap smear and HPV vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer. A pap smear is a simple, painless test done in the OPD by your gynaecologist that helps to pick up abnormal changes to cervical cells much before the actual onset of cervical cancer. HPV testing can be done in the same setting.
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A pap smear should be done once every three years for sexually active women from 21 to 65 years of age. HPV vaccination is recommended for pre-teens between 9 to 12 years of age, but can also be taken up to age 26 and by breastfeeding mothers.
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In 99% of cases, HPV infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and this is the only vaccine available for cervical cancer prevention. When a person receives an HPV vaccine, they are protected against cervical cancer.
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It is advised to take the vaccine before a specific age because the virus is spread through sexual interaction. We prefer to provide these vaccines to younger females who are at least 9 years old or above. The vaccination provides 100% protection if it is administered before the first sexual exposure.
Preventive Measures of Cervical Cancer
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A woman can contract the common infection at any moment in her life, but the virus is immune to her body because of inherent defences. Therefore, when HPV enters a woman's body, the body automatically fights the virus and protects it against infection.
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When antibodies are created against any infection, they will remain in the body permanently. Hence, women may be susceptible to other types of infection.
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Whenever we take the vaccine, the antibodies created by the vaccine last longer, and that is how they prevent further infection as well as cervical cancer. Therefore, it is widely regarded as the most effective preventive measure.
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Additionally, it is advised to use a barrier method of contraception, like a condom, during sexual intercourse.
Not everyone is familiar with this vaccination, and not everyone can provide it to their girls when they are around nine or ten years old. The main concern here is that it provides 100 per cent protection when taken before the first sexual exposure. Hence, it is important to educate people about HPV and HPV vaccination to prevent deadly illnesses like cervical cancer.
Visit a top cancer hospital for Cervical Cancer Treatment in Sarjapur Road and get the best results.
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