Health Tourism News

1. What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the cervix.  The cervix is the lower part of the uterus where it opens up o the vagina.  Cervical cancer leads to malignant cancer of the cervical area. 
2. What is the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer?
Human Papillomavirus( HPV) is found in about 99% of cervical cancers.  There are different types of HPV and not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer.  HPV-16 and HPV-18 are often associated with cervical cancers.
 

3. What are the causes for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs significantly among women over 40 years of age.  Other factors the cause cervical cancer are-
• Having multiple sex partners.
• Having sexual intercourse at a young age.
• Smoking can aggravate the risk for cervical cancer
• Long term use of contraceptive pills
• Having multiple full-term pregnancies.
• Having a weakened immune system.
4. What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you need get to checked for cervical
Cancer-
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain that is not related to menstrual cycle
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Increased urinary frequency
• Pain during urination
5. How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
The best way to diagnose cancer is with a Pap test.  In addition, the doctor may recommend a HPV test.    The Pap test is a way to examine cells collected from the cervix.  The purpose of Pap test is to check for presence of any abnormal cell changes that may rise from cervical cancer or before cancer develops.
6. What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?
The treatment of cancer depends upon the severity of the case.  A simple hysterectomy will be sufficient for someone who is the earliest stage of cervical cancer (Stage IA1).  of patients with for patients in stage lA2 and lB1 lesions the usual treatment is radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection or radiation therapy (RT), which combines two kinds of therapy—whole pelvic teletherapy and local brachytherapy (implants). Surgery is preferred to radiation therapy in younger women because ovarian function is eliminated and sexual function is often difficult following radiation therapy.
7. How can I avoid cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.   Regular Pap testing is necessary.  When detected early, the treatment for cervical cancer is easy and the five-year survival rate is almost 100%.    In addition to Pap tests, you should also consider reducing the risk factors for cervical cancer mentioned in FAQ 3.
8. Is there an HPV vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer?
Yea, HPV vaccine is available and this was developed for the prevention of cervical cancer.  It is highly effective in the prevention of cervical cancer including prevention of HPV-16 and HPV-18 that are associated with cervical cancer.