1) What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina. It is caused by specific strains of a common virus, the human papilloma virus or HPV. While HPV infections are temporary and harmless for most women, some women develop a persistent HPV infection that exposes them to a high risk of developing cervical cancer. The development of cervical cancer is very slow. It starts as a pre-cancerous condition called dysplasia. This pre-cancerous condition can be detected by a test called a Pap smear and is 100% treatable. Most women that are diagnosed with cervical cancer today have not had regular Pap smears or they have not followed up on abnormal results.
2) What are the Impacts of Cervical Cancer on women? Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. This is why it is so important for women to have regular check ups and Pap smears to detect the abnormal cells before they develop into full blown cervical cancer. Symptoms that may occur as the disease develops can include Continuous vaginal discharge of any sort. Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause Periods becoming heavier and lasting longer than usual If these symptoms are ignored, the cancer will grow and spread to other organs of the body, and may eventually cause death.
3) How can Cervical Cancer be prevented? Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women but avoidance of risk factors, and regular check ups, can ensure early detection and successful treatment. - Annual pelvic examinations, including a pap smear, should start when a woman becomes sexually active, or by the age of 20 in a non-sexually active woman.
- Practicing safe sex (using condoms) also reduces the risk of HPV and other sexually-transmitted diseases.
- Limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding partners who participate in high-risk sexual activities.
- Quit smoking - cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
- The HPV vaccine Gardasil can protect girls and young women from ever developing the viral infection.
4) Am I at risk? - Are you a sexually active woman who has not had a Pap smear in the past year?
- Are you at least 20 years old and have never had a pelvic examination and Pap smear?
- Do you think your mother may have taken DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage when she was pregnant with you?
If any of these factors apply to you, then make an appointment to see your doctor for a check up. For further information about incidence, causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment and prevention, check out - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000893.htm For more information about HPV tests and Pap smears you can go to - http://www.questdiagnostics.com/destinationhealth/hpv.html | 
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