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CERVICAL CANCER
STATISTICS
- Second most common malignancy of the female reproductive system.
- 16,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
- 5,000 deaths occur from cervical cancer each year.
- Usually affects women ages 40-55.
- 60% of women who die of cervical cancer did not have a PAP test
in the last five years.
CAUSATION
As with all cancers, the actual cause of cervical cancer is not
known. Most risk factors appear to be controllable, while some such
as genetics and age, are not controllable. The risk of developing
cervical cancer increases if you have experienced the following:
- You are a smoker
- Began having intercourse at an early age
- Sexually transmitted disease, especially HPV - human papillomavirus
(genital warts)
- Multiple sexual partners or a partner who has had multiple partners
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
Some studies have shown that the exposure to talcum may increase
cervical cancer risk. Women in lower socio-econimic groups appear
to have higher incidence of cervical cancer. This may be due to
the fact that they can not afford annual check ups.
SYMPTOMS
Pap (Papanicolaon) testing (commonly called Pap smear) is the
best way to detect cervical cancer, specifically in its early stages.
The Pap test is done by gently scraping cells from the cervix and
smearing them onto a microscope slide for evaluation at a laboratory.
The Pap test will then be reported to the medical provider as either
"normal" or "abnormal." An abnormal result does not necessarily
mean that there is a malignancy. If an abnormal result is reported,
the patient is re-examined and the Pap test repeated to assist in
diagnoses.
It should be noted that a large proportion of diagnostic errors
(false-negatives) may be attributed to laboratory error. Another
cause of false-negative Pap smears is in poor specimen collection
by the medical provider.
Cervical pre-cancer or cancer usually does not have symptoms. This
is why it is crucial that women have regular Pap tests. Symptoms
usually arrive when the cancer has progressed. Contact your doctor
if these symptoms are a significant change in your body.
- Spotting and/or light bleeding outside of your normal menstruation
- Unusual discharge from the vagina
- Pain and/or bleeding during intercourse
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
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