Can We Control Cervical Cancer?

The Truth Revealed

Cervical cancer hungrily eats women of their reproductive age. The 3rd most common type of
cancer assumes half a million women worldwide. This disease is more common in progressing
countries and it accounts for nearly 80% of global mortality throughout the world.
Out of a group of human papilloma viruses, there are a few varieties that have been considered
under a high risk- human papilloma viruses. These varieties have shown to be the contributing
agents of cervical cancer. This tumor called malignant neoplasm begins in the cervix and is able
to open at the top part of the vagina. Common symptoms linked with this disease are pelvic
pain, back pain and abnormal bleeding from the vagina. The precancerous stage of this disease
is asymptomatic. This disease would take time to strengthen into cancerous condition.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors have been linked with this disease. Most factors are controlled by us. A list of
such factors is:

Smoking- It has been shown that both passive and active smoking increases the risk of
cervical cancer. The carcinogenic tobacco by-products have been found in the cervical
mucus from the vigorously smoking women. These can damage the cervical cells DNA.
Keeping the ailing effects of smoking in sight is suggested to stop.

Oral contraceptives- The use of the oral contraceptives for more than 5 years is related
from the increase of cervical cancer risk. The action mechanism of contraceptives is
unclear, but it is imagined that hormone related to mechanisms supports the
combination of HPV DNA into the host genome. This promotes the change from
premalignant to malignant condition. As an option to contraceptives, it is recommended
to use condoms.

Weak Immune System- Foods that are rich in nutrients will boost your immune system.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, which help fight
against numerous diseases, that includes cervical cancer.

High Parity- Sex at an early age, and full term pregnancies is directly linked with this
disease. A higher rate of pregnancy remains the transformation zone of exocervix for
many years. This facilitates the straight exposure to HPV and cofactors. The sex
education to young women will help in eradicating this problem.

Safe Sex- A woman experiencing multiple sexual partners in high risk sexual activities
can easily give in to this disease. The sex education is also a solution to this problem.

Preventive Measures
Use of Pap smears and vaccination

Vaccinations - Scientists are struggling to create a vaccine, which can battle this deadly
disease. They achieved success to some degree since the vaccines are able to fight
against few HPV strains. Furthermore, the identification for vaccine administration
involves some ethical issues. Young girls who had no sexual exposure will be the right

target for vaccination. Thus, the vaccination does not guarantee a total abolition of
cervical cancer.

Aside from these steps of preventive measures, is to control the risk factors and allpurpose health and hygiene maintenance to control this disease.

Papanicolau test- Cells are scraped from the cervix (tip part) is observed under the
microscope to perceive the precancerous or cancerous condition of the cervix. It is
recommended to have this test done after 21 at every two year intervals. This detects
the disease in its initial stage making its treatment easier. The alertness about this test is
available at an economical price, which is a preferred step towards the control of cervical
cancer worldwide.

Vaccines are promoted by the pharmaceutical companies and doctors. Awareness towards this
disease is essential in getting Pap smears.