Lesson 5 Cervical cancer
- Understand what cervical cancer is
- Understand what to do to prevent cervical cancer
- Recognise the signs or symptoms of cervical cancer
The cervix is the opening to the uterus from the vagina.
Cervical cancer is a cancer which develops in the cervix.
It is the 4th most common cancer among women.
Mostly it is the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus transmitted through sexual contact: when genitals are skin-to-skin or through oral, anal or vaginal sex.
Most of the time it goes away by itself without knowing you are infected. But some types of HPV could lead to cancer.
- HPV vaccination can lower the chances for the development of cancer
- Use a condom when having sex
- Stop smoking
- Get tested regularly. Ask your doctor which test is best in your case and when you should get screened
If abnormal cell growth or cancer are diagnosed early it can easily be treated. When diagnosed at a later stage it can be controlled with the right treatment.
If you would remark any of these signs or symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or gynecologist.
It is recommended to contact a doctor too if you would have one of the following symptoms:
- pelvic pain
- pain while having sex
- bleeding after having sex