Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer is the leading cause of cancer related morbidity and mortality among females in Ghana and in other developing countries. Ghana has an estimated population of 6.57 million women aged 15 years and older as at 2009, who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Current estimates indicate that every year 3,038 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 2,006 die from the disease. Cervical cancer is the most frequent among women aged 15 to 44 years in Ghana (Cancer Plan Ghana,2016). Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women worldwide and the most preventable type of cancer. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the womb from the vagina). Cancer of the cervix often has no symptoms in its early stages until it reaches an advanced stage. The most common symptom is unusual vaginal bleeding, which can occur after sex, in between menstrual periods or after menopause.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in about 99% of cervical cancers. HPV is a group of viruses, rather than a single virus. There are more than 100 different types, most of which are considered low-risk and do not cause cervical cancer. High-risk HPV types may cause cervical cell abnormalities or cancer. Majority of cervical cancer cases can be attributed to two types of the virus, HPV-16 and HPV-18, often referred to as high-risk HPV types. HPV is spread during sexual intercourse and other types of sexual activity (such as skin-to-skin contact of the genital areas, or using sex toys)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in about 99% of cervical cancers. HPV is a group of viruses, rather than a single virus. There are more than 100 different types, most of which are considered low-risk and do not cause cervical cancer. High-risk HPV types may cause cervical cell abnormalities or cancer. Majority of cervical cancer cases can be attributed to two types of the virus, HPV-16 and HPV-18, often referred to as high-risk HPV types. HPV is spread during sexual intercourse and other types of sexual activity (such as skin-to-skin contact of the genital areas, or using sex toys)
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Early stages of cervical cancer do not cause symptoms. Possible symptoms of more advanced disease may include
Abnormal bleeding, such as
1.Bleeding between regular menstrual periods
2.Bleeding after sexual intercourse
3.Bleeding after douching
4.Bleeding after a pelvic exam
5.Bleeding after menopause
6.Pelvic pain not related to your menstrual cycle
7.Heavy or unusual discharge that may be watery, thick, and possibly have a foul odour
8.Increased urinary frequency
9.Pain during urination
These symptoms could show signs of other health problems, which may not be in relation to cervical cancer. If one should experience any of the symptoms above, kindly talk to a health care provider.
Early stages of cervical cancer do not cause symptoms. Possible symptoms of more advanced disease may include
Abnormal bleeding, such as
1.Bleeding between regular menstrual periods
2.Bleeding after sexual intercourse
3.Bleeding after douching
4.Bleeding after a pelvic exam
5.Bleeding after menopause
6.Pelvic pain not related to your menstrual cycle
7.Heavy or unusual discharge that may be watery, thick, and possibly have a foul odour
8.Increased urinary frequency
9.Pain during urination
These symptoms could show signs of other health problems, which may not be in relation to cervical cancer. If one should experience any of the symptoms above, kindly talk to a health care provider.
Diagnosis
Cell changes in the cervix are caused by HPV. The test for early detection is the Pap smear test. For women age 30 and over, an HPV test may be used along with a Pap smear. HPV tests can find any of the high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer. One HPV test has recently been approved for use as primary cervical cancer screening for women age 25 and older, followed by a Pap test for women with certain results. There is the need for women to start Pap smear test at age 21 and should be co-tested with an HPV test starting at age 30. If there are no problems, Pap tests can be done every three years and co-testing with HPV test every five years.
Cell changes in the cervix are caused by HPV. The test for early detection is the Pap smear test. For women age 30 and over, an HPV test may be used along with a Pap smear. HPV tests can find any of the high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer. One HPV test has recently been approved for use as primary cervical cancer screening for women age 25 and older, followed by a Pap test for women with certain results. There is the need for women to start Pap smear test at age 21 and should be co-tested with an HPV test starting at age 30. If there are no problems, Pap tests can be done every three years and co-testing with HPV test every five years.
Treatment
Three types of standard treatment are used:
1.Surgery Surgery refers to removal of the cancer cell in an operation
Radiation therapy
2.Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing
3.Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing
Treatment of cervical cancer depends on;
1.The stage of the cancer
2.The size and shape of the tumor
3.The womans age and general health
4.Her desire to have children in the future
5.How far the cancer has spread
1.Surgery Surgery refers to removal of the cancer cell in an operation
Radiation therapy
2.Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing
3.Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing
Treatment of cervical cancer depends on;
1.The stage of the cancer
2.The size and shape of the tumor
3.The womans age and general health
4.Her desire to have children in the future
5.How far the cancer has spread
When cervical cancer is detected early surgery is to remove some or all of the womb or radiotherapy, or a combination of the two.
When cervical cancer is detected at advanced radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, surgery is used.
When cervical cancer is detected at advanced radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, surgery is used.
In conclusion cervical cancer can be prevented by abstaining from sex or using condom. Also immediately you develop any symptoms mentioned above, kindly report to the health professional.
REFERENCES
Cancer Plan Ghana,2016
Cancer Plan Ghana,2016
Joseph Benne
JR Women Care Foundation
JR Women Care Foundation
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