The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). Most of the uterus lies in the pelvis, but part of the cervix is located in the vagina, where it connects the uterus with the vagina. Worldwide, it is the second-most common cancer of women. Cancer of the cervix occurs when the cells of the cervix change in a way that leads to abnormal growth and invasion of other tissues or organs of the body. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages, which has made cervical cancer the focus of intense screening efforts utilizing the Pap smear . According to a survey of 3,076 women 18 to 75 years of age, awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its link to cervical cancer, is relatively low among American women. There are “low-risk” viruses which does not commonly turn into cancer and “high-risk” viruses that are most likely to develop into cervical cancer; although both can. Having several sexual partners is a major risk factor for developing HPV; although most of the HPV infections clear up on their own, the infections could increase to major abnormalities or cervical cancer.

The cervix is part of a woman's reproductive system. Fortunately, however, cervical cancer can often be prevented or detected in its earliest stages through effective screening. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in the lower abdomen . In a small group of women, however, the virus survives for years before it eventually converts some cells on the surface of the cervix into cancer cells. Pap test screening, when done regularly, is the single most important tool for preventing cervical cancer because it can detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous, when treatment is most effective. There are two main types of cervical cancer. About 75% of all cervical cancer is squamous cell cancer.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

The common Causes of Cervical Cancer :

The virus that causes cervical cancers is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus infecting up to 80% of the population at some time
Having multiple sexual partners or having sex with a promiscuous partner
Oral contraceptive use.
Weakened immune system .
History of sexually transmitted disease
Women who smoke are more likely to get cervical cancer than non-smokers.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Some Symptoms of Cervical Cancer :

Loss of appetite.
Painful urination (dysuria)
Weight loss.
Fatigue.
Abnormal (yellow, odorous) vaginal discharge
Back pain.
Leg pain.

Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Anti-cancer drugs.
High-energy rays shrink tumors by killing the cancer cells. The radiation destroys the ability of cancer cells to reproduce.
Laser therapy - uses light to burn abnormal tissue.
Radiation may be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis, or cancer that has returned. Radiation therapy is either external or internal.
Cone biopsy to remove the cancer.
Some women with early-stage cervical cancer are treated with a simple hysterectomy or radical trachelectomy alone.
Chemotherapy , which uses medications to kill cancer cells.

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
Barett's Oesophagus
Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
Boils
Cellulitis
Chicken Pox
Cystitis

Skin Disorders

Acne
Alopecia Areata
Baldness

Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
Atropic Vaginitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Pain
Cervical Cancer

Liver & Kidney Diseases

Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer

Mental Health

Anorexia Nervosa
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Dementia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.