Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in people over age 30. Cervical cancer happens when cells grow out of control in a women’s cervix.
What causes cervical cancer? It isn't clear what causes cervical cancer, but it's certain that HPV plays a role. Human Papillomavirus, aka HPV, is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during intercourse.
Most people with the virus never develop cancer.
This means other factors — such as your environment or your lifestyle choices — also determine whether you'll develop cervical cancer. What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include:
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause;
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour; • Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse What are the risk factors? Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
• Many sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners — and the greater your partner's number of sexual partners — the greater your chance of acquiring HPV.
• Early sexual activity. Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.
• Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs — such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS — increases your risk of HPV.
• A weakened 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.
• Exposure to miscarriage prevention drug. If your mother took a drug called diethylstilbesterol (DES) while pregnant in the 1950s, you may have an increased risk of a certain type of cervical cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma. What can I do to reduce my risk? The most important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to:
•Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Ask your doctor whether an HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.
• Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Most medical organisations suggest beginning routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every few years.
• Practice safe sex. Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.
• Don't smoke. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival.
