CERVICAL (UTERUS) CANCER
- It is the cancer of the mouth of the uterus or cervix.
- It is the most common cancer in India and all sexually active women are at a risk of contracting this disease.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main and necessary virus for this cancer.
- It is a sexually transmitted virus passed through genital contact.
DEVELOPMENT
- Early marriage
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Smoking and consumption of tobacco
- Immuno-suppression
- Infection through other sexually transmitted diseases
- Poor nutrition
SYMPTOMS
- Pelvic pain and pain during intercourse
- Bleeding between periods and post-menstrual bleeding
- Vaginal discharge.
TREATMENT
- The first and second stage of cervical cancer is operable.
- Patients are operated through keyhole surgery.
- It is less painful and less time is spent in the hospital.
- Patients can return to their normal life quite soon.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Delaying sexual intercourse
- Limiting one’s sexual partners
- Using barrier protection like condoms
- Annual screening after 30 years of age through pap-smear test.
- HPV vaccination