Cervical Health Awareness Month: What Women Should Know

More than 11,000 women in the United States alone are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. Modern research says it is the fourth most common type of cancer that women may develop worldwide. Every year, more and more women fall victim to this dreaded disease. If left untreated, cervical cancer can spread to other parts of the body, which can be fatal.

But did you know that there are effective ways to prevent cervical cancer? Since the disease develops over time, it's considerably easier to control. Learning as much as you can about cervical cancer is the best way to prevent it. In this article, we'll provide you with tips on how to take care of your cervical health. 

The month of January is dedicated to cervical cancer awareness. Let's start the year with the best approach to managing cervical cancer.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. It develops because of the virus called Human Papillomavirus or HPV. This virus causes the growth of cancerous cells and, sexual contact is typically the mode of transmission of it. Affected areas include the genitals, mouth, and throat. Most cervical cancers are diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 55, although they are most common in women younger than 40.

The majority of individuals infected with HPV are not aware they have it because they might not even know they've been exposed to the virus. Often, a person's immune system can fight off an HPV infection without medical assistance. Other times, a person will clear the infection naturally over time. However, an HPV infection causes abnormal cells to grow on the cervix in rare cases. Leaving these abnormal cells untreated can lead to cervical cancer.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Identifying the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can be very tricky. The reason is - there are none. Some people may already contract cervical cancer without knowing. That's why optimizing one's health awareness about cervical cancer is critical. 

On the other hand, modern medicine managed to find important information that links to cervical cancer. Here, we've compiled the closest things that correlate to its signs and symptoms. You may have cervical cancer if you experience:

• Blood spots, light bleeding in between menstruation periods
• Abnormal bleeding in menstruation (heavier, extended)
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Increased discharge (vaginal)
• Genital pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding even after the menopausal stage
• Chronic pelvic and back pain

The symptoms listed above can also come from different causes. When you experience any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is consult your doctor. It is always better to get the best diagnosis from health professionals when dealing with your health.

How Can I Prevent Cervical Cancer?

The old saying: "prevention is better than the cure," applies perfectly to cervical cancer. The HPV virus can somewhat "bypass" the immune system, making it difficult to detect. That's why when you experience even the slightest symptoms, visit your doctor right away.

Pap Smear

Screening for cervical cancer can help detect precancerous changes in your cervix. Get regular pap smear checkups when you have time. Pap smear detects traces of possible HPV virus and its subtypes. The early detection of cells infected with HPV can inhibit its growth and development. 

Promote and Practice Safe Sex

Most cases of women that developed cervical cancer do not practice safe sex. Out of the 11,000 reported cases of cervical cancer, 4000 women died of the disease. Using contraceptives has a 70% rate of reducing HPV infection and transmission. 

Get HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine has the highest potential to prevent the development of cervical cancer. You can get this vaccine as early as adolescence. This vaccine protects against some of the most common strains of HPV that are linked to cervical, anal, and genital cancers in women and men, along with genital warts in both men and women.

Additional Tip: Be proactive with your follow-up checkups. Keep in mind that cervical cancer is not easily detected. Thousands of women may already be at the early stages of cervical cancer without knowing. Follow-up checkups reduce the risks of cervical cancer in more ways than one. 

HPV Vaccine: How Effective Is It? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended two doses of HPV vaccines at ages 11 or 12. The second shot, or booster, comes 6-12 months after. 

Getting vaccinated before the age of 15 years is highly effective. Typically only two shots are needed within this age range. 

Three doses are ideal for 15 years and above and for people with a compromised immune system. The second dose should be 1 to 2 months after the initial dose. These people should wait six months before getting the third shot. 

How Long is The Effectivity of the HPV Vaccine?

HPV vaccines guarantee four-year protection against the virus and cervical cancer. Researchers are still trying to determine if the vaccines can last longer. 

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe for Me?

Like all kinds of vaccines, the HPV vaccine underwent thousands of rigorous testing before getting distributed to the public. What's more, the vaccine has already been in production and used for several years. It has a proven track record when it comes to safety and efficacy. Experts guarantee that adverse health reactions have a very slim chance of occurring. 

Additional Information: The ingredients of the HPV vaccines are proteins similar to papillomavirus. These proteins are scientifically modified and combined with a sterile water-based solution. 

Additional Tips: Here's a list that you should be mindful of when getting the HPV vaccine.

• When you are pregnant
• When you have a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous HPV vaccine
• If you have a severe allergic reaction to the proteins from the HPV ingredients
• If you feel sick during the time of vaccination

Fight Cervical Cancer With AllMed Medical Center!

Our health experts at AllMed Medical Center have decades of experience to help you prevent cervical cancer. Our services include disease prevention, medical counseling, diagnosis, and chronic care. If you have doubts about your cervical health, know that we are here for you. We carry the cervical cancer ribbon with pride and confidence. Give us a call today, and let's talk about the best methods in keeping your cervical health!