Getting to Know Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Cervical cancer, also known as cervical cancer, is a type of cancer that affects most women throughout the world. The main cause of this cancer is persistent infection by human papillomavirus (HPV), especially certain types of HPV called high-risk HPV, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18. HPV is a common virus and can be spread through sexual contact. Although most HPV infections resolve on their own, long-lasting infections can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Causes of cervical cancer

Apart from HPV infection, other risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing cervical cancer include:

• Smoking

Smoking can reduce the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight HPV infection.

• Use of hormonal contraception

Several studies have shown an association between the long-term use of birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives and an increased risk of cervical cancer.

• Weak immune condition

For example, HIV/AIDS sufferers or people undergoing organ transplants who require the use of immune system suppressant drugs.

• Repeated pregnancies: Frequent pregnancies or at a young age may increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer symptoms

Symptoms of cervical cancer in the early stages are often not visible. However, some symptoms that may appear when the cancer is more advanced include:

• Abnormal bleeding,

Such as bleeding after sex, bleeding between menstrual periods, or bleeding after menopause.

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge that smells bad, has an unusual color, or contains blood.

• Pelvic pain or pain during sex.

It is important to remember that these symptoms do not always indicate cervical cancer, but if you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor for further evaluation.

Cervical cancer prevention

Prevention of cervical cancer is mainly done through HPV vaccination and routine screening with Pap smears. The HPV vaccine can be given to girls and boys before they are exposed to the HPV virus through sexual activity. A pap smear is a test used to detect precancerous changes or cervical cancer at an early stage, allowing for more effective treatment.

Apart from that, a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the risk of cervical cancer, such as by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding high-risk sexual habits. This article has outlined the causes, symptoms, and prevention of cervical cancer in an effort to increase understanding and awareness of this condition, which is important for women's overall health.

Downloading the Hermina Mobile Apps application will help you manage your health needs more easily and efficiently, especially for services at Hermina Arcamanik Hospital.

 

Reference:

 

1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Cancer: Cervical Cancer. Diakses dari [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer)
2. American Cancer Society. (2020). What Is Cervical Cancer? Diakses dari [https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/what-is-cervical-cancer.html](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/what-is-cervical-cancer.html)
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer? Diakses dari [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/risk_factors.htm](https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/risk_factors.htm)
4. National Health Service (NHS). (2020). Cervical Cancer. Diakses dari [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/)