If we are to think of cancer that occurs in women, most people would think of “Cervical Cancer”
Cervical cancer is an unwitting threat that also likes to lay low. It would not show any symptoms during its first stage, causing us to be improvident about this threat that may occur. It is also unlikely for most women to take the Papanicolaou test (including admin) as a routine, making this type of cancer to be less unaware of until it is too late. Today we will be discussing cervical cancer, in the hope that it would raise awareness of the disease and how to prevent it.
First, to start with, cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus named ‘Human Papillomavirus’ or as known as HPV. There are many varieties and species of HPV. However, those mainly cause cervical cancer is HPV type 16 and 18.
HPV type 6 and 11 could cause Condylomata Acuminata, which could be infected via close contact and share of appliances. Moreover, having condylomata acuminate could raise the risk of having cervical cancer.
The most common reason for women to have cervical cancer is via sexually transmitted from men who have HPV. Whereas, these men would get HPV from other women they had sexual relations with, who was a virus carrier as well.
HPV could infect both men and women. However, it would cause no harm to men, but a cruel threat to women in the form of cervical cancer. This makes most women that have had a sexual relationship to be within the risk group. Especially, when the society is becoming more open to sexual relationship nowadays, where people have sexual relation at a younger age, resulting in a bigger risk group.
Cervical cancer would show no symptom during its first stage, which is why it is important to have cervical cancer screening. Once passed the first stage, its symptoms include, but not limited to, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or abnormal leukorrhea with a different color, strong smell, substantially increased amount or mixed with blood.
It is recommended that we take notice on any of these symptoms. It is also highly recommended for women to take cervical cancer screening for HPV more often for own benefit. Some of you may shy away because the method of examination, but the test has been developed to the point where it could be tested via urine collection. If there is no HPV, then the possibility of having cervical cancer is very minimal. It is easier and faster to check for HPV, comparing to checking for a cancer cell. So it is recommended to check for HPV first, if the result came out abnormal, then continue with the Papanicolaou test. In any case, it is still recommended to take the Papanicolaou test once a year as some types of cancer may take as long as 10 years to show symptoms so better to be cautious.
Cervical cancer could be cured if detected since the beginning stage. There are many treatments for cervical cancer such as hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, each treatment has its effects. Therefore, the best option would be for us women to take care of ourselves and get a vaccination to prevent the disease. We can get the vaccine since the age of 9 years old. However, the vaccination should be done before ever having sexual relation. Otherwise, it is recommended to get the Papanicolaou test and consult with a doctor before getting the vaccine.
For any readers who are interested in taking cervical cancer screening via urine collection, please feel free to ask for more details from Healthlab (Hua Hin) at Line – @healthlabclinic or 094 494 5649
