Be aware of deadly cervical cancer! Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause

Cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells. Till date, more than 200 kinds of cancer have been discovered. Thousands of women die all over the world because of cervical and breast cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

The lower end of the uterus is called cervix. It is through this end that uterus is in contact with the vagina. When the cells of cervix start growing abnormally it results in cervical cancer. In most of the cases, Human papillomavirus(HPV) is the major reason for causing cervical cancer. Other factors causing Cervical Cancer are the intake of birth control pills, indulging in sexual activity at the young age, smoking and multiple sexual partners. In more than 90% cases Human papillomavirus(HPV)infection is the cause of cervical cancer. However, it is not necessary that all the people who have Human papillomavirus(HPV) infection will suffer from cervical cancer.

There are more than 150 types of Human papillomavirus(HPV). Out of these very few, Human papillomavirus(HPV) type causes cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus(HPV) infection is very common and spread through skin contact (sexual contact). In most of the cases, these infections get cured on their own. However, in some cases, Human papillomavirus(HPV) persists resulting in genital warts. These genital warts are a type of benign tumor which is formed due to abnormal growth of the outer layer of skin.

Some of the factors which might increase the risk of developing cervical cancer:-

On basis of various researches, it has been proved that Human papillomavirus(HPV)infection is one of the major reason for causing cervical cancer. There are other factors which are also responsible for causing or increasing the risk of cervical cancer in women. These factors include:-

• Smoking tobacco - This includes active as well as passive smokers. However, the risk of having cervical cancer is high in women who smoke than those who don't smoke but are getting exposed to tobacco fumes regularly. Smoking decreases body immunity against Human papillomavirus(HPV)infection virus.
• Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) - This virus causes AIDS. In AIDS the body immune system gets damaged, which further increases the chances of women getting infected with Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection. 
• Infection due to Chlamydia - Chlamydia is bacteria which causes infection in the reproductive system. Women who are either suffering or had suffered from Chlamydia infection are at higher risk.
• Overweight
• Usage of oral contraceptives for long-term also increases the risk of cervical cancer.

Symptoms of cervical cancer:-

Signs or symptoms showing cervical cancer may vary from women to women and from stage to stage. In most of the cases, women's body does not show any symptoms at the early stage of cervical cancer, however, the signs are very much noticeable. Similarly, advanced stages of cervical cancer symptoms are quite severe hence demand immediate medical attention. Following are symptoms of cervical cancer:

• Abnormal bleeding from vagina - this includes unusually heavy bleeding during periods, bleeding in between periods, bleeding after menopause, bleeding following intercourse. 
• Abnormal increase in vaginal discharge. 
• Pain while having sex.
• Persistent pain in back or pelvis.

If any women show such system that it should be taken seriously. It is true that presence of these symptoms doesn't mean that they are signed for cervical cancer. However, prevention is always better than cure. Moreover, researches have proved that cervical cancer, when detected at the earlier stage, have higher chances of getting cured.

Diagnosing method for cervical cancer:-

Pap testing is one of the major technique which is used to diagnose cervical cancer. In this test, a small sample of cells is collected by scraping the cervix surface. This test helps to find if there is any abnormal growth of the cervix surface. In cases where the results of Pap smear shows the presence of abnormal cells is further checked through the colposcopy. If abnormal cell growth is found during colposcopy then the next step involves conducting the biopsy. It's biopsy which confirms the presence of cancer. Once cancer is confirmed, then depending on the size of tumor other tests are performed to find the stage of cancer and to find the extent to which cancer has spread in the body. This test involves X-RAY, CT Scan, and MRI scan. In some cases, cystoscopy is also done.

Certain guidelines have been set, to prevent cervical cancer in women. As per these guidelines, all women 21 - 65 year of age should get regular Pap test done in the period of every three-year.

On the basis, to what extent cancer has spread in body cervical cancer is divided into four stages. Stage 0 and I mark the early stage of cancer and hence if detected at this stage, cervical cancer has higher chances to get cured. Whereas stage IV is an advanced stage of cervical cancer and at this stage, cancer has spread to various sites of the body.

Ways to treat Cervical Cancer:-

Once cervical cancer is confirmed then it becomes very important to start the treatment immediately. Common methods used to treat cancer involves:-

• Surgery - During surgery tumor along with neighboring healthy tissues is removed. 
• Chemotherapy - In chemotherapy cancer is treated by using drugs. These drugs aim to destroy cancerous cell and do not allow them to divide further. 
• Radiation - In radiation therapy high energy rays or particles are used in order to kill cancer cells. Sometimes cancer can be cured only by using radiation therapy. Whereas in other cases it is used before surgery in order to shrink the tumor. Some women given are treated for cancer using chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy. 
• Target therapy - Drugs like Avastin are used to stop the growth of cancer cells by interrupting or targeting their basic cellular activities.

The kind of treatment given to various cervical cancer differs from case to case. The decision about the course of treatment depends on factors like the stage of cancer and size of the tumor.

Prevention of cervical cancer:-

Cervical cancer has easily be prevented by getting the vaccination. These vaccinations give protection against Human papillomavirus(HPV)infection.  This vaccination can be given at age of 9 till the age of 26.

Another way of preventing cervical cancer is to get a regular checkup from the doctor.