Address risk factors to prevent cervical cancer

English: Intermed. mag. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Recently, scientist found out why some women develop cervical cancer. They were able to show a direct link of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases such as vaginal and vulvar cancers, and genital warts with common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). However, medical experts also know that certain risk factors play an important role in increasing a woman’s chance of developing cervical cancer.

A risk factor is defined as something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. So, when it comes to understanding and preventing a disease, it is important to be aware of its risk factors. According to studies, it has been found that a number of factors may act together and increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer. In caring for one’s cervical health, it would be important to note the following:

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV infection has been identified as the main risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV can infect the cervix and can be passed on through sexual contact. HPV infections are very common. It has been found that most adults have been infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Though most women's bodies are able to fight HPV infections, some HPV types can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Some of these changes can lead to genital warts, cervical pre-cancers, and other problems.

Lack of regular Pap tests.

Cervical cancer was more commonly found in women who did not have regular Pap tests (examining cells from the cervix under a microscope). Since it usually takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer cells, undergoing regular Pap tests and pelvic exams can help your doctor find and treat the abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.

Weakened immune system.

The immune system is the body’s natural defense system against disease and illness. Women with weakened immune systems (including those with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS infection or those who take drugs that suppress the immune system) have a higher than-average risk of developing cervical cancer.

Age.

Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over age of 40.Sexual history.

Women who have had many sexual partners have a higher-than-average risk of developing cancer of the cervix. Likewise, a woman who has a spouse or partner who has had sexual relations with other women is also at higher risk of developing the disease. In both cases, the risk of developing cervical cancer is higher because of a greater risk of HPV infection.Smoking.

Women with an HPV infection who smoke are at a greater risk of developing cervical cancer than women with HPV infection but do not smoke.

Long time use of birth control pills.

Using birth control pills for 5 or more years may increase the risk of cervical cancer among women with HPV infection.

Having many children.

Studies suggest that giving birth to many children may increase the risk of cervical cancer among women with HPV infection.

If you think you are at risk for cervical cancer based on the list, do not delay your visit and consultation with your doctor or ob-gynecologist. Though cervical cancer may not show any symptoms at first, later it may manifest itself as pelvic pain or bleeding from the vagina. So, if you notice unusual discharge from the vagina, blood spots or light bleeding when you’re not having your period, or bleeding or pain during sex – see your doctor immediately.

Since it takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer cells, early detection and treatment is crucial to prevent the progression of the disease.

For young girls and women, preventing cervical cancer through vaccination would be the best approach. A new breakthrough vaccine has been developed that can protect them against four types of HPVs (type 6, 11,16 and 18). HPV types 16 and 18 are known to cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, while HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts cases. The breakthrough vaccine made by pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) is called Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine. It is the first and only 4-in1 vaccine proven to prevent cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancers, and genital warts.

Vaccination is an important way of protecting girls and women against HPVs that cause cervical cancer and other diseases. For parents and young women, go and see your doctors now and ask about vaccination against cervical cancer. For more information, call 744-5552 to 53

Source: Philippine Star

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