Statistics show cervical cancer to be a leading killer cancer in women worldwide.More than 500,000 deaths are confirmed,with 75% of the victims coming from the developed countries.Besides,8 million new cases of infection,are diagnosed each year,with a pre-cancerous stage,-a dysplasia condition- which if untreated lead to cancer.
Scientists and gynecologists recommend that all women above 18 years and above or 3 years after one become sexually active,should visit a cancer facility or hospital for a pap test.Pat test involves collection of cell samples from the cervical area for screening in case of any abnormal changes in the cervix.
As earlier stated,cervical cancer begin when there are changes in normal cells,usually the squamous epithelium and the squamocolumna epithelium.Cell changes may lead to two types of cancers;a) Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
b)Adenocarcinoma,cancer of the glandular epithelium.
Women are cautioned against any of these risk factors which predispose one to this cancer;Human Papilloma Virus,sexual transmitted infections,cigarette smoking,multisexual partners, and having more births within a short period of time.
Its symptoms include;low abdominal pain,prolonged heavy menses,increased vaginal discharge with blood and colored fluid,abnormal bleeding within menses and bleeding after intercourse.
Prevention is through the avoidance of the above risk factors.However,to be certain,a pap smear is the only way to detect its early developing stages.It also reveals any abnormal cells within the vaginal epithelial lining.Further tests can also be carried out to further show what the irregular cells could indicate.
Such results include;going for a colposcopy,where vinegar is used to distinguish tumor cells from normal cells.A biopsy may also be sent to a pathologist for further investigations.
Depending on the doctor's advise,healthy women should at least visit an healthy facility once in a each year for their healthy status.Once it becomes a cancer,the contion has no cure.Always remember;prevention is better than cure,stay healthy.