As characteristic of cancers, the cervix experiences an uncontrollable growth of cells in the region that can lead to a number of symptoms or cause a syndrome. This is called Cervical Cancer.
Cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina. It is a hollow cylinder that connects the lower part of a woman’s uterus to her vagina.
- Cause
Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV spreads through sexual contact (anal, oral or vaginal). Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives and not realize it because their bodies fight the infection. However, if your body doesn’t fight the infection, it can cause the cells of your cervix to change to cancerous cells.
America Cancer Association submits the following as possible causes of Cervical cancer:
- Sexual History
Becoming pregnant at a tender age and having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of getting the cancer.
- Smoking
Cervical cancer is nearly two times more likely to affect women who smoke than non-smokers. Women who smoke have had tobacco by products discovered in their cervical mucous. These compounds may harm cervix cells’ DNA, which could lead to cervical cancer, according to researchers. Smoking also reduces the immune system’s capability to combat HPV infections.
- Weakened Immune System
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, weakens the immune system and puts people at higher risk for HPV infections. The immune system is important in destroying cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread. In women with HIV, a cervical pre-cancer might develop into an invasive cancer faster than it normally would.
Another group of women at risk for cervical cancer are those taking drugs to suppress their immune response, such as those being treated for an autoimmune disease (in which the immune system sees the body’s own tissues as foreign and attacks them, as it would a germ) or those who have had an organ transplant.
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills
There is evidence that taking oral contraceptives (OCs) for a long time increases the risk of cancer of the cervix. Research suggests that the risk of cervical cancer goes up the longer a woman takes OCs, but the risk goes back down again after the OCs are stopped, and returns to normal many years after stopping.
A woman and her doctor should discuss whether the benefits of using OCs outweigh the potential risks.
- Chlamydia
- Obesity
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Prevention
One of the easiest ways to avoid getting cervical cancer is to get a Pap smear or hrHPV test every year. Screening finds precancerous cells so they can be treated before they turn into cancer.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by an HPV infection. With Gardasil and Cervarix, you can avoid getting the infection. The vaccine works best before a person starts having sexual relations. Both boys and girls can get a shot to protect them from HPV.
Here are some other things you can do to lower your chances of getting HPV and cervical cancer:
Limit the number of people you have sex with and always use a condom or other barrier method when you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Having precancerous cells in your cervix is shown by an abnormal Pap test result. Find out what to do if your test shows that you are pregnant.
By: King Mawuli
