Information About Cervical Cancer

When cells in an area of body grow abnormally, cancer can develop. Cervical cancer is abnormal cell growth in the cervix. The cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus (the womb). Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening. It begins when women becomes infected with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If the immune system does not clear the infection, normal cells can begin to grow abnormally and turn into precancerous lesions. If not discovered early and treated, this abnormal cell growth can become cancer. Most often this can take a number of years, although in rare cases it can happen within a year.
Women who have been infected with certain types of HPV and have not been to clear the virus can get cervical cancer and pre-cancer. About half of all females diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old. Many of these women were most likely exposed to cancer causing HPV type during their teens and 20's. Most of the women who get cervical cancer may have never had a Pap test.
HPV is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are more than 100 types of the virus. Most types of HPV do not cause any symptoms, are harmless and are cleared. About 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could turn into cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts and benign (noncancerous) changes in the cervix. HPV has also been linked to other rare disease including vaginal and vulvar cancer, as well as RRP (recurrent respiratory papillomatosis), a disease of the throat that makes breathing difficult. Because people who have HPV may not show any sign or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it. Anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV, even if there is no sexual intercourse.
Because HPV usually has no sign or symptoms, most people infected with HPV don't know they have it. Most HPV infections are first discovered as a result of abnormal Pap test. A Pap test is part of a gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become pre-cancer or cervical cancer. Many cervical pre-cancers (changes that could lead to cancer) are related to HPV and can be treated successfully if detected early. That's why early detection is so important.

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Fear or Fact? Cervical Cancer and the HPV Vaccine

Unless you've been living in isolation for the past 1 - 2 years, you would have found it almost impossible to avoid hearing about the risk of cervical cancer, and the two new HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) that have now been introduced as a prevention strategy against this disease.

In a revolutionary age where media campaigning has tremendous power and potential to infiltrate thinking and ideas on national and global scales, distinguishing fact from emotion becomes a confronting, yet subtle dilemma.

The platform for the introduction of these 2 new HPV vaccines onto the worldwide market has been on the basis of the threat and risk of cervical cancer, and has presented the same dilemma to potential recipients of these vaccines.

The problem is, although facts are a far more logical basis on which to make such a decision, emotion is often a far more powerful motivator for action or compliance in situations where health is the prime factor. And in this situation, the fear of cervical cancer has formed a very solid basis for the HPV vaccine campaigns.

There's certainly no question that cervical cancer disease 'can'' and 'does' have serious (sometimes fatal) outcomes. However equally so, 'any''medical procedure, artificial drug, pharmaceutical product or vaccine by its very nature also carries with it varying degrees of risk - both temporary and permanent. This includes the HPV vaccines.

The unfortunate truth is that the bulk of media campaigning and information disseminated to the public has avoided, disguised or cleverly side-stepped pointing out the facts and health risks associated with the actual vaccines, which to date have included (but are not limited to): loss of consciousness, paralysis, Guillain Barre Syndrome, hospitalisation, permanent disability and death.

The questions any female or parent (of daughters) considering this vaccine needs to ask themselves are these:

• 'Is' cervical cancer as widespread and as serious a health risk as portrayed in media campaigns and by our health authorities?
• Is it merely coincidence that solid media campaigns against cervical cancer disease have been hand-in-hand with the introduction of these vaccines?
• Have all the facts regarding all the risks of both the disease and the vaccine been accurately revealed?

The challenge for any potential recipient, is in identifying the true facts about the risk of cervical cancer versus the associated risks and benefits of the vaccine. Unfortunately, many recipients of these vaccines have based their decision on limited information provided in media campaigning that has ignored 'all' the facts - resulting in decisions made on emotion rather than sound logical judgment.

Tragically in many cases, the associated health risks of the vaccine has resulted in more devastating and irreversible outcomes than an actual cervical cancer diagnosis. As challenging as it might be, you owe it to yourself to research the facts before deciding whether or not these vaccines are of benefit, and whether these benefits outweigh any potential risks.

By basing your decision on fact, not fear, - your decision will be an informed one, and the one that's right for you in your individual situation. Whatever you decide, make it an informed one.

Cervical Cancer and Infertility

Cervical cancer does not necessarily mean that you will become infertile but the odds are extremely high. This is not an easy concept to come to terms with, even for women who have gone through menopause or who have made up their minds to never have children. The enforced, involuntary removal of the womb is a very final act beyond which there is no going back. The ability to decide for oneself is taken away. It may even feel as though one's womanhood is being stolen, especially if one's identity is bound more in one's physicality than one's spiritual and psychological being. Many women find that if they allow themselves to grieve, as for the death of a loved one, it helps them to make sense of the loss and to integrate the experience into their sense of self.

Some pre-cancer treatments can adversely affect your fertility, the cone biopsy for example. There is a small chance that the cervix can close very tightly after a cone biopsy procedure, so tightly that sperm isn't able to enter it. This condition is known as cervical stenosis. If you are still able to menstruate after the cone biopsy then you don't have complete cervical stenosis, if the womb lining can get out, sperm can get in. Women who have had cone biopsies are also more likely to give birth before 37 weeks, their babies are more likely to have a low birth weight and they are more likely to give birth by caesarian section. The increased risk of early birth is because the cone biopsy weakens the cervix, which is really a muscle that keeps the entrance to the womb closed. If the cervix has been weakened, the weight of the baby pressing down on the cervix may cause it to open too soon and induce labour. This can be prevented by your doctor giving you a "running stitch" to hold it shut. Your doctor may be more technical and call it a purse string suture; the suture is cut before you go into labour, at around 37 weeks.

LLETZ stands for large loop excision of the transformation zone, and has roughly the same effects as cone biopsies i.e. early birth, low birth weight and increased caesarian sections. It is also more likely to rupture membranes. In a review it was revealed that the amount of cervical tissue removed had an impact on the risk of early birth etc. If the excision was more than 10mm deep then the risk for early birth increased. Laser therapy, cryotherapy and diathermy are unlikely to affect your fertility.

If you are already pregnant when the abnormal cells are discovered your doctor will not recommend a cone biopsy unless he or she suspects that there is cervical cancer. The biopsy could weaken the cervix and result in a miscarriage. You may, however, undergo a colposcopy. It's perfectly safe and won't affect your delivery, or your chances of falling pregnant again. Usually treatment for pre-cancerous cells is scheduled for after you've given birth, when you and the baby are out of danger.

When you actually have cancer and have to go for treatment your chances of infertility are increased as the treatment becomes more aggressive and invasive. Chemotherapy causes infertility although for some people the effects are only temporary. The permanence of chemo's infertility depends on the drugs used, the dosages, whether a combination of drugs is used as a combination is more likely to result in infertility, the age of the patient and the general health of the patient. If you are still young and have your heart set on having children it may be possible to choose a chemotherapy that will least affect your fertility, but it also depends on the circumstances.

Radiotherapy is given directly to the affected area, so it would be aimed directly at the pelvic area and cervix. This can obviously lead to infertility and is more likely to be permanent. The risk is increased with the strength of the dose and the increased age of the patient. Total body irradiation will usually cause permanent infertility and only a very rare few will go on to have children afterwards.

Surgery to remove cancer does not generally affect fertility, however in the case of cervical cancer where it might be necessary to have the womb or ovaries removed, infertility is an inevitable consequence. Some types of surgery to the cervix, vagina and vulva also result in infertility.

Cervical cancer is not a death sentence; in fact it is one of the most curable cancers around. It is ironic, however, in that for many women it does mean the end of life, or at least the end of the continuation of life, the end of progeny. For many women this in itself is a death sentence. They need support and love to help them through this very difficult time and to enable them to see that they still have so much to offer the world. A woman can be a whole woman on her own terms and she can decide those terms for herself. Sometimes all she needs is a little help to be able to see that.

Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Deadly Consequences

Besides breast cancer, cervical cancer can be considered the next most prominent type of cancer. Most cancers are malignant, which means deadly. This particular one too, is malignant. Ever heard of pap smear tests? They have a lot to do with cervical cancer. But there is more on that later on.

Understanding the cancer is quite a quest. It is a kind of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix (near your hips area). The cervix is more accurately described as the lower portion of the uterus that connects the upper vagina to the uterus. 'Human papillomavirus' or 'HPV' is the virus responsible for this whole cervical issue. It is a common virus that infects about half of the population at some point of their lives. If the immune system does not clear up the infection, normal cells can begin to grow abnormally and turn into 'pre' cancerous lesions. This is how the cancer begins and works.

There are many causes and risk factors. 'HPV' can be sexually transmitted during intercourse. There are different strains of 'HPV' and some strains cause genital warts. While these genital warts do not lead to cervical cancer, other strains are considered "high risk" for cervical cancer by causing changes in the cells covering the cervix. However, it is worth nothing that not all women infected by 'HPV' will develop the cancer, as other factors will come into play such as smoking, medical illnesses that reduces immunity, early sexual activity in life (increases risk of sexually transmitted diseases), women who have multiple sex partners and lack of awareness of regular pap or cervical smart test. These other factors will cause cervical cancer too, not only 'HPV'

How Cervical Cancer Works and Why You Should Read This

Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of tissues near the cervix. Hence, its name is so. Listed and discussed in this article are the warning signs and screenings for cervical cancer. Be aware that cervical cancer is as dangerous as the popular and common breast cancer. Cervical cancer is mostly caused by sexual intercourse. It can be considered as a direct effect of sexually transmitted diseases.

Early cervical cancers are usually asymptomatic. This means that they do not present any symptoms as it takes years for the cancerous cells to grow. Infections and other health problems can also present similar symptoms. So, it is best to check with an obstetrician and gynaecologist to rule out any possible health issues and receive the appropriate treatment as early as possible.

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is bleeding from the vagina at times other than when you are having a period. You may have bleeding:

- Between periods

- After or during sex

- At any time if you are post-menopausal

- Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell

- Discomfort or pain during sex itself

Screenings like the cervical smear tests should be done annually. This should be noted as the risks of having sexual intercourse. In short, when you start having sexual intercourse, check yourself for these smear tests. What this cervical smear test does is screen for abnormalities of the cervix, often identifying abnormalities caused by the 'HPV' (a virus that causes cervical cancer). There are two types of smear tests. The first being the "glass side"; which is the most common and 'ThinPrep Pap Test'.

Note that post-menopausal women still need to undergo smear tests. However, pap tests are not designed to detect 'HPV' but can identify changes due to the 'HPV' infections. A separate test, the 'HPV' test can be used to test for 'HPV' virus itself.

Causes and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer attacks the cervix or cervical region caused by a viral infection of HPV (human papillomavirus) which did not recover in time. If the immune system decreases, the HPV infection will dangerous and can lead to cervical cancer.

The symptoms are not too visible at an early stage, that's why the beginning of cervical cancer HPV infection is considered as "The Silent Killer".

Some symptoms can be observed although not always an indication of HPV infection. Whitish or spend a bit of blood after intercourse is little sign of symptoms of this cancer. In addition, the foul-smelling yellowish fluid in the genital area can also be an indication of HPV infection. This virus can be transmitted from one patient to another and infect the person. Can be transmitted through direct contact and by sexual intercourse.

When there is this virus in a person's hand, then touching the genitals, the virus will move and can infect the cervical region or neck of your womb. Other modes of transmission are in the closet in a public toilet which has been contaminated by the virus. A cancer patient may use a closet, the HPV virus in patients who have moved into the closet. If you use it without cleaning it, it could be a virus and then switch to your genital area. Poor lifestyle a person can become supporting the increasing number of patients with this cancer. Smoking habits, consuming less vitamin C, vitamin E and folic acid may be the cause. If the consume nutritious foods will make the immune system can ward off increases and the HPV virus.

The risk of cervical cancer are women who have sex active since a very early age, which often change sex partners, or who have sex with men who like to switch pairs. Another factor is the use of oral contraceptives for long periods or was from families who have a history of cancer. Often, men who showed no symptoms of HPV infection that are spread to their partners. A man who had sex with a woman, who suffered from cervical cancer, will be the media of these virus carriers. Furthermore, when this man to have sex with his wife, the virus was able to move to his wife and to be infected.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Cervical cancer is one of the more insidious types of cancer because there may seem to be no symptoms of the disease or the symptoms may appear only once the disease has become well-established in the woman's body. This makes regular health checks all the more important and a Pap smear test on an annual basis essential for all women. Safety first is an excellent motto.

And another of the nasty aspects of cancer is that symptoms for other problems such as ovulation or pre-menstrual pains are common for many women. These pains may mask the symptoms of cervical cancer.

But while there may not be obvious symptoms, there are signs which suggest the disease is present. These signs include one or more of the following:

o Heavy or light vaginal bleeding during the month is a possible symptom of cervical cancer

o Pelvic pain which is not a part of the normal menstrual cycle pain. The pain can range from short, sharp suffering to a prolonged dull ache. The suffering can range in intensity from mild to severe.

o Pain when urinating. This in patients often means the cancer has spread to the bladder hence the distress when urinating.

o Abnormal vaginal discharge which take the form of a watery substance, mucus, which may be thick and/or smell foul. The type of discharge can vary widely because every woman and every cervical cancer is different.

o Bleeding at times in-between regular menstrual bleeding. This may occur after sexual intercourse, from douching or from a pelvic examination. A cervix which has cancer will be irritated by certain things such as those mentioned and will often bleed as a consequence of this activity.

It is important that any of the above symptoms are also found with other problems and do not mean that the woman concerned does in fact have cervical cancer. However, the point cannot be made strongly enough that there is a vital need to see a doctor as soon as possible should these symptoms appear. It is not unusual for a woman to experience a change in color of her urine, to find herself seriously fatigued seemingly without reason and to experience pain after sexual intercourse. While such symptoms are common for those diagnosed with cervical cancer, it is possible these symptoms are the result of non-cancerous problems.

Many women will talk about 'knowing their bodies'. They believe they have an innate sense of when something is wrong. Some women diagnosed with cervical cancer believe they felt something was wrong even before they were given the medical diagnosis.

So it is true there are many symptoms suggesting a woman has cervical cancer. But unfortunately it is possible to contract the disease and not have any obvious symptoms at all for some time. The best advice is to report to your doctor as soon as possible any abnormal pain, discharge or bleeding and to have a Pap test on a regular basis.