Detecting Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is more likely to affect women during their middle age years and beyond.

However, this disease can occur any time during a woman's child bearing years. This is why it is important for women of all ages to understand the different stages of this type of cancer. Early detection is important in order for women to have a good chance at survival.

This will allow a woman to get the proper treatments before the disease progresses to advanced stages, when the chances for survival are slim. Also, the type of treatment that a woman will receive for cervical cancer is determined by the stage of the disease in her particular situation.

There are two types of cervical cancer tumors. One classification is known as pre-invasive. This means that the lower third of the epithelium is made up of abnormal cells. The other classification of cervical cancers tumors are called invasive. In this case, the full thickness of the epithelium consists of cells that are proliferating abnormally.

This cancer occurs in the lining of the cervix. This consists of the lower region of a woman's uterus, or womb, were the opening of the vagina is located. This type of cancer does not always spread to other parts of the body. However, if it does spread, it will typically affect the rectum, lungs, bladder, liver, and vagina.

This form of cancer starts from changes that occur in the cells. A virus known as the the human papilloma (HPV) causes cervical cancer. This virus is transferred through contact with the genitals of an infected person. This is why this virus is often spread during sexual activity.

A woman who has multiple sexual partners is at an increased risk for infection from this virus. Also, women who begin having sex early in life, or who have had multiple sexually transmitted diseases are also more susceptible to developing HPV as well as HIV. Some symptoms of cervical during its advanced stages include back pain, leg pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Other risk factors for developing this type of cancer include a diet that does not consist of fruits and vegetables. Also, the long term use of birth control pills can increase a woman's risk but she can reduce that risk by simply discontinuing the use of oral contraceptives. Doctors recommend that women get the HPV vaccination to reduce their risks for cervical cancer.