Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Type of Cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, but it is completely preventable with regular screening. The main cause is the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer develops slowly and manifests itself with cell changes that can be detected years in advance.
Symptoms
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Pelvic pain or pain radiating to the legs
Ways to protect
- HPV vaccine (recommended for women ages 9-26)
- Regular screening with Pap smears and HPV tests
- Avoiding risk factors and infections (smoking, multiple partners, weakened immunity)
Treatment
Depending on the stage of the disease, surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy are used.