cervical cancer
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Cervical Cancer Symptoms: Cervical cancer cases are increasing rapidly in women all over the world. World Health Organization (WHO) According to , every year about 6 lakh new women fall prey to this disease and about 3 lakh women die from it. This cancer occurs in the lower part of the uterus, i.e. the cervix, which connects the vagina to the uterus. There are two main types of cervical cancer. First, squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin and flat cells on the outer surface of the cervix. This is the most common type of cervical cancer. Second, adenocarcinoma which develops in the cells inside the cervix, which produce mucus. This type is rare, but the rate of growth can be fast.
cervical cancer The main cause is an infection called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which spreads through intercourse. This virus can gradually cause changes in the cells of the cervix and turn them into cancer. Many times this infection gets cured on its own, but in some cases it persists for a long time and becomes serious. This disease is especially seen more in those women who have intercourse at a very young age, have more than one intercourse partner or whose immunity is weak. Women who do not get Pap smear tests done regularly or who already have HPV infection are also at higher risk. Apart from this, the risk of cervical cancer further increases in women who smoke.
What symptoms appear before cervical cancer?
Dr. Saloni Chadha, Assistant Professor at RML Hospital It is said that in the initial stages of cervical cancer, usually no obvious symptoms are seen, but as the disease progresses, some signs start appearing. The most common symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding such as between periods, after intercourse or after menopause.
Apart from this, smelly discharge from the vagina, pain in the pelvic area i.e. lower back, pain during intercourse and fatigue or weakness may also be felt. Symptoms like weight loss, loss of appetite and swelling are also seen in many women. If the infection spreads, there may be pain or swelling in the legs and difficulty urinating. All these signs indicate the need for early detection and treatment.
Ways to prevent cervical cancer
Be sure to get the HPV vaccine, it is most effective between the ages of 9 to 26 years.
Get a Pap smear test done once every 3 years.
Have safe intercourse.
Quit smoking and tobacco consumption completely.
Increase immunity with healthy diet and regular exercise.
Do not ignore symptoms like unusual bleeding or pain and consult a doctor immediately.