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Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Know the Facts, Save Lives
By Raveena M Prakash
The month of January is often celebrated as the cervical cancer awareness month. This month serves as a gentle reminder of how cancer prevention and early diagnosis save lives. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer. Yet it continues to affect thousands of women across the world every year.
In this article, we’ll discover more about the importance of cancer screening to reduce the risk of developing this condition.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the surface of the cervix. These types of cancer happen when the cells on the cervix start to change as precancerous cells. Many studies suggest that an HPV virus infection can cause almost all types of cervical cancers. HPV is an infection spread through sexual contact.
People can lower the risk of these cancer development by getting regular cancer screening tests such as Pap smear and receiving the HPV vaccine.
Why Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Matters
This cancer usually develops silently; in its initial stages, it may not cause any specific symptoms, which is why many cancer cases go undiagnosed until the disease gets advanced. An awareness campaign about this cancer growth plays a crucial role in educating people about the importance of performing regular screening, vaccination, and timely medical care.
These cancers mostly affect women in low and middle class income communities across the globe, where essential access to healthcare services, cancer screening programs, and vaccinations may be limited.
Even in some regions with advanced healthcare systems, fear, stigma, misinformation, and lack of routine checkups continue to place the women at risk. Remembering and celebrating Cervical Cancer Awareness Month encourages having open communications, challenging the existing myths, and empowering individuals to take control of their reproductive health.
Key Facts Everyone Should Know
These are one of the few cancers that are largely preventable with getting an HPV vaccination and regular cancer screening. Including:
- Majority of all these cancers cases are linked to HPV infection
- Performing Pap tests and HPV tests can detect any types of abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous
- When detected early, these cancer cases has a high survival rate
- Getting regular screenings can reduce the chance of this cancer incidence and its mortality
Understanding all these facts can help to shift the focus from cancer treatment and cancer prevention, where the big impact lies.
Symptoms
In the beginning stage of this cancer, it won’t show any specific symptoms; that’s why performing a cancer screening is considered significant for the prevention.
As the disease starts to progress, the symptoms may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Discomfort in the abdomen areas
- Pain during intercourse
In some cases, All of these above mentioned symptoms might be caused by other health conditions other than cancer, however if you are experiencing any of these symptoms more than 2 to 3 weeks, then they should never be ignored. Getting an immediate medical evaluation can lead to early diagnosis and get better treatment outcomes.
Prevention
There are some things you can do to prevent cervical cancer. Receiving some regular gynecological examinations and getting Pap smear tests are considered the most significant steps in taking control of this cancer growth in women.
HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective tools in preventing this cancer. It protects against the most common high-risk HPV strains responsible for the majority of cases. The vaccination is most effective when you receive it in your teens. But many adults can still benefit from vaccination after consulting the healthcare provider.
Increasing vaccination can dramatically reduce future cancers in the cervix and move closer to elimination.
Regular cancer screening
Performing routine screening through Pap smears and HPV testing allows healthcare providers to identify precancerous changes early, before symptoms often appear. These tests are quick, effective, and lifesaving.
Screening guidelines can vary by age and history of health, but constant participation is considered crucial. Never underestimate the regular screening and increase the risk of a late-stage cancer diagnosis.
Healthy lifestyle choices
One of the main reasons for developing these cancers is because of getting infected with the HPV virus, while certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk, including the habits of smoking and a weakened immune system.
Women should never underestimate the risk of developing this cancer and also need to maintain their overall health, avoid the use of tobacco products, practice safe sex, and perform regular medical checkups to contribute to reducing the risk.
Breaking the stigma around Cervical Health
The most significant barrier to preventing cervical cancer is the stigma and taboo attached to this disease. The cultural taboos, embarrassment, and fear often delay many women from having the regular screening and having reproductive health communications openly. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month aims to normalize all of these conversations and emphasize that cervical health is an essential part of the overall well-being of women.
Consult Today
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with effective measures, including early diagnosis and HPV vaccination. Being aware of this cancer and its spread, cancer screening, and having open communication with a specialist can also make it so many women can move towards a future where no woman will lose her life to this cancer.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones are diagnosed with cancer, then visit an Oncare Cancer Hospital and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Early diagnosis and effective cancer treatments of cervical cancer are essential to avoiding life threatening complications of the disease.
Here are some of the treatments used to cure cervical cancer, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Cervical cancer is a treatable and manageable cancer, especially if it's caught in the early stages. Healthcare providers use the term ‘remission’ to describe a cancer that has been removed completely; it can still come back.
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