IMPORTANCE OF BREAST CANCER SCREENING
It is said that early detection and treatment usually lead to a positive outlook. Regular checks and screening can also help detect symptoms early.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), women of average risk can choose to have yearly scans from the age of 40years onward.
The goal of screening is to catch cancers early. Early-stage cancers are easier to treat than later-stage cancers and the chance of survival is higher.
Screening saves about 1,300 lives from breast cancer each year.
CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.
You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.
SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER
In the early stage, cervical cancer causes no pain or other symptoms that is why it is vital for women to get regular pelvic examinations and tests.
The first identifiable symptoms of cervical cancer are likely to include
- Abnormal vagina bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal discharge and odor
- Pelvic pain
If cervical cancer has spread to nearby tissues, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty urinating, pain when urinating or blood urine
- Dull backache of swelling in the legs
- Diarrhoea or bleeding lost of weight and appetite
- A swollen abdomen, constipation, nausea etc.
ADVANCED CERVIAL CANCER
If cancer spreads out of the cervix and into surrounding tissue and organs, it can trigger avenge of other symptoms including
- Severe pain in your back or side caused by your kidney
- Constipation
- Peeing or pooing move often than normal
- Losing control of your bladder (urinary incontinence) or bowel incontinence
- Blood in you pee
- Swelling of one or both legs
- Severe vaginal bleeding
CAUSES
Almost all cases of cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of viruses, rather than a single virus. There are more than 100 different types of HPV is spread during sexual intercourse and other types of sexual activity. The 2 highest risks for cervical cancer are HPV 16 and HPV 18.
PRE- CANCEROUS CERVICAL ABNORMALITIES
Cancer of the cervix usually takes many years to develop. And if the changes are discovered earlier, treatment is successful.
INCREASED RISK
There appear to be additional risk factors that affect a woman’s chance of developing cancer. These includes
- Many sexual partners: The greater your number of sexual partners – and the greater your partner’s number if sexual partners – the great your chance of acquiring HPV.
- Early sexual activity: Having sex at an early stage increases your risk of HPV
- Other sexual transmitted infections (STIs): Having other STIs – such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS – increase your risk of HPV.
- A weekend immune system: You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.
Smoking: Smoking is associated with squamous cell cervical cancer
