Cancer of the Cervix
Alternate Names : Cervical Cancer, Cervical Tumor, Cervical Carcinoma
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Many times, cancer of the cervix can be avoided by early detection and
treatment of cervical
dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia can be detected by a pelvic examination that includes a
Pap smear. Women should
start to have Pap smears and pelvic exams when they reach the age of 16 or as
soon as they become sexually active.
A woman can lower her risk for getting cervical cancer by taking the following steps:
quitting smoking
waiting to have intercourse until age 18 to 20
having only a few sexual partners in a lifetime
using latex condoms and practicing safer sex with each sexual encounter
A woman should ask her sexual partners about their sexual histories,
so that those who seem to be high-risk can be avoided.
Identification of early warning signs of cervical cancer
is also important. A woman should see her healthcare provider and may need to
be treated if she has any of the following signs or symptoms:
vaginal discharge that does not seem normal
vaginal bleeding between
periods
bleeding with intercourse
painful intercourse, known as
dyspareunia
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
If abnormal cells are found early and treated, it may be possible to avoid
removing the uterus so that a woman can still have children. Unfortunately,
once cervical cancer occurs, more aggressive measures may be needed. If the
cancer is found and treated early, there is an excellent chance of cure. If
left untreated, it may spread to nearby areas or more distant sites in the
body.
What are the risks to others?
Cervical cancer is not contagious and does not pose a risk to others.
Sexually transmitted
diseases
associated with cervical cancer, such as chlamydia and
human papilloma virus, are contagious.
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