Everything A WOMAN Needs To Know About Cervical Cancer
“What would men be without women? Scarce, sir…mighty scarce.”
― Mark Twain
Happy international women’s day in arrears!
Though the day has passed I believe that we men should always celebrate the lovely women in our lives and all over the world, and the women should celebrate one another; I decided to take advantage of the occasion to shine the spotlight on an important issue concerning women’s health- Cervical cancer.
On my way to work one morning, I listened to an interviewer on radio take to the streets of Lagos to ask women basic questions about cervical cancer and prevention. It was glaring that for a disease which is so common, very preventable yet very deadly (if not treated early), our women’s (and men’s) knowledge of the disease is alarmingly poor. Some had heard of the disease but knew nothing more, while most had no idea what it is.
So what is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer or cancer of the cervix is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells and tissue of the cervix (opening between the uterus (womb) and vagina (birth canal) in a woman). Because this organ or part of the body is exclusive to females, cancer only occurs in females. Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women (after lung and breast cancer) and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women living in developing countries. The disease is one of the most preventable cancers known today, it is also one of the most curable if detected early, but it still remains a serial killer in developing countries.
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is one of few cancers that are attributable to an infectious microorganism. The disease arises as a result of infection by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) a sexually transmissible infection that also causes genital wart. HPV is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection and although not all people with HPV infection develop cervical cancer, the virus is responsible for most cases of the disease, with very rare exceptions.
Who then is at risk of cervical cancer?
Infection with the HPV is the most important factor that puts a woman at risk of cervical cancer. Although HPV can be transmitted by non-sexual means, most HPV infections arise from sexual contact. Therefore, those most at risk of infection are sexually active women; especially those with multiple sexual partners, those who start having sex at a young age, those whose partners are sexually promiscuous and women with a history of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
Is there a cure for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is easily cured if detected before it spreads to other organs in the body.
“… An ounce of prevention is better than a million pounds of cure.”
David Angus.
What can I do to prevent cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is easily preventable by regular screening for early signs of the disease through a Pap smear and by vaccination.
The Pap smear is a cheap, simple and painless test by which the cells of the cervix are inspected for any early signs of cancer. If such cells are found, a simple procedure is carried out to remove the offending cells. Regular Pap smears are recommended for women 21 years and older. You should consult your doctor or visit the nearest clinic to find out how you can get screened. Every woman between the ages of 21 and 65 years should have regular Pap smears.
Vaccination is an effective way of preventing the HPV that causes cervical cancer. It is recommended that girls between the ages of 11 and 12 years get 3 doses of the vaccine. Older women may still be vaccinated up to the age of 25years. You may consult your doctor to know if you will benefit from the vaccine.
Other ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer include safe sexual practices, abstinence, and sexual fidelity.
Cervical cancer remains responsible for the untimely deaths of several women in the country and continent. The menace can be curbed by increasing our awareness of the disease and prevention. Raise awareness and share this knowledge with a woman or man today, you never know, you could save a life!
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Written by Dr. Adeola Dare
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