The Cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus.  Cancer is a disease that causes cells in the body to grow out of control, and is always named for the part of the body where it starts.  Cervical cancer, as the name suggests, is cancer of the cervix.  It is one of the most common cancers affecting a woman’s reproductive organs.

All women are at risk for cervical cancer especially those 30 years and older.  This type of cancer has several factors that contribute to women being at risk.  However, the number one cause is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that is transmitted during sexual intercourse.  Once you engage in unprotected sex with someone who has the virus then you will contract it. Other factors that contribute to cervical cancer are:

• Smoking – if a woman has HPV, smoking cigarettes increases her risk.
• Weak Immune System – HIV or taking drugs to suppress the immune system
• Oral Contraceptive Pills – Prolonged use (over 5 years)
• Sexual history – having many sexual partners put women at a higher risk because the risk of contracting HPV is greater.
• Childbearing – studies show that having many children (5 or more) increase a woman’s risk of cervical cancer.
• Diethylstilbestrol (DES) – daughters who were exposed to this drug while in the womb are at risk
• Early sexual activity – Immature cells are more easily affected by HPV, therefore, having sex before age 18 places women at greater risk.
• Other Sexual Transmitted Diseases – having other STDs increases the risk if having HPV.

Early cervical cancers don’t usually cause symptoms.  It is when the cancer grows larger that symptoms are noticeable.  The symptoms to look for are:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding  such as

• Bleeding between regular menstrual periods
• Bleeding after engaging in sexual intercourse, after douching, after a pelvic exam or whenever anything comes in contact with the cervix, for example, using a diaphragm.
• A change in the menstrual cycle for instance, periods becoming longer and heavier.
• Bleeding after menopause
• Increase in vaginal discharge. Also look for any discharge that has foul odour, is watery and has blood in it.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pelvic pain

It is extremely important for women, especially sexually active women to have regular Pap smear examination. It is possible for you to have HPV for years unknowingly. The Pap test is the best way to discover abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer.  Regular pap tests show these cell changes before they become cancer.  Once these cells are detected early, removing or killing them prevents cervical cancer.

Prevention Tips

• If you are sexually active, practice safe sex and limit the number of partners you have.
• Know your status. Do regular pap tests. By getting treatment after early detection, you may still be able to have children.
• Be in tune with your body and check abnormal changes as soon as you notice any.