January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, which is a good way to begin the year.
This yearly event provides women with support and information about cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV), and early prevention.
Given Cervical Health Awareness Month, let’s dive into key aspects of cervical cancer.
Despite being a preventable disease, it is the fourth most common cancer in women, and about 311,000 women died from the disease in 2018, according to the World Health Organization.
It is the cancer of the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb), that connects with the vagina.
Most cervical cancer cases are caused by the HPV virus.
The basic history of cervical cancer awareness
Every year, cancer awareness is celebrated to raise awareness about cancer and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease.
It is meant to encourage the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer as early as possible.
Since the inception of worldwide cancer awareness, themes have been considered to guide the framework of the campaigns.
In 2019, the theme ‘I Am and I Will’ was introduced to be used for the next three years-2021.
This campaign has been focused on a limitless range of actions that can be taken both at community and individual levels.
The first year of the ‘I Am and I Will’ three-year campaign was guided by a sub-theme known as ‘Commitment to Act’.
The supporters reflected on what they could do to reduce the impact of cancer.
2020 provided a chance to look back, assess, and celebrate the progress so far in the bid to curb cancer.
The 2021 sub-theme, ‘Together, all our actions matter’ is a reminder of the power of our collective strength and cooperation to achieve a healthier world without cancer.
The human cervix
Do you have any idea what or where the cervix is?
If not, you’ve come to the right place.
The cervix is a narrow end of the uterus that forms a passage between the uterus and the vagina.
It acts as the opening point at which sperm can get to the eggs and fertilize them.
When you’re not pregnant, it helps to keep unhealthy things out of your body, and when you are, it helps to keep the baby in place until it’s fully developed.
During labor, it dilates to allow the baby to move from the womb to the vagina. It is important to take care of your cervical health!
Every woman must be intentional about having a healthy cervix.
A few steps can be taken to achieve that goal and reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
This occurs when the cells of the cervix grow out of control, forming growths known as tumors.
Symptoms and signs of cervical cancer
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual
- Spotting between periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Persistent pelvic or back pain
Screening: Don’t know what to expect?
Cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent through screening.
Two screening tests are used to detect cervical cancer.
- Pap test (Pap smear): this test involves collecting cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities. These cell changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. It is taken during a pelvic exam, where you have to lie on an examination table and have your healthcare provider check your cervix for abnormalities. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should be tested every three years.
- The HPV test: This is done to detect the presence of HPV in the body system. Certain types of HPV increase your risk of cervical cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should get your first pap test at age 21.
A pap smear, along with an HPV test, is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer.
Early detection of cervical cancer is important to determine the next possible steps with your doctor on how to handle your health care.
Risk factors for cervical cancer
A significant number of cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can be passed from person to person during sex.
Some types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer due to changes in the cervix. HPV is so common, and most people might have gotten it at some point in their lives.
It causes no symptoms, making it hard to tell.
It goes on its own, but if it doesn’t, it can develop into cervical cancer over time.
Other factors that increase your risk of cervical cancer include:
- Sexual history: several sexual behaviors increase our risk of cervical cancer. Examples of those behaviors are becoming sexually active at a young age, having multiple sexual partners, and having a partner who is considered high-risk (someone with an HPV infection or one who has multiple partners).
- Smoking: People who smoke and those around them are exposed to cancer-causing chemicals that affect organs other than the lungs. These harmful substances are absorbed and carried into the bloodstream throughout the body. It also weakens the immune system, making it unable to fight HPV infections.
- Having a weakened immune system: the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, weakens the immune system and puts an individual at a higher risk of HPV infection. The immune system is essential for destroying cancer cells and inhibiting their growth and spread.
- Having multiple full-term pregnancies: It is believed that women who have had three or more full-term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer due to their increased exposure to HPV infection. It is also believed that pregnant women might have a weaker immune system, leaving them exposed to HPV infection and cancer growth.
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills): The longer a woman uses oral contraceptives, the greater the increase in her risk of cervical cancer. The risk has been found to decline over time after women stop using oral contraceptives.
What you can do to reduce your risk
- Preventive care: regular testing should be done to detect cervical changes and prevent cervical cancer.
- Get vaccinated: Wondering how that might help? The HPV vaccine protects us against common strains that are known to cause cervical cancer in women.
- Practice safe sex: People often believe that practicing safe sex only prevents unwanted pregnancies, but it does more than that. It shields against sexually transmitted infections that can cause harm to the cervix. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that is mostly spread through sexual contact.
- Report symptoms to your doctor: A lot of times, we experience symptoms that we regard as ‘bearable’. We let those symptoms thrive until they became unbearable, and it was too late to rectify the problem. You should report any symptoms to your doctor.
You can do better. Get involved today!
The importance of cervical health awareness can never be overemphasized.
Do not hoard this information for yourself.
Dedicate the month to spreading information on cervical cancer with a loved one.
Early detection saves lives.
If you’re due for a check-up, schedule one with your health provider today.
Together, all our actions matter!
