CERVICAL CANCER IS NOW THE NO 1 KILLER DISEASE IN WOMEN

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Cervical Cancer has taken over from breast cancer as the No 1 Cancer
killer in women. This is according to a research conducted by the Cervical
Cancer Action Global Alliance and Dr Mike Chirenje, a professor at the University of Zimbabwe. It is
also a cancer caused by a sexually transmitted virus called human papilloma
virus. Cervical Cancer is a slow growing cancer; it has a pre-cancer stage
which can be identified through screening. Hence its one of the few cancers
that can be fully prevented. BOLA AKINBOADE-BELLO had a chat with Dr Matilda
Kerry, ex-beauty queen and founder of the George Kerry Life Foundation; she
reveals the risk factors and ways to prevent Cervical Cancer.

RISK
FACTORS

CANCER of the cervix
can occur at any age. It is found most often in women older than 35 years, but
can occur in younger women. Your risk for cancer of the cervix depends on your
sexual history, your immune system, your health, and your lifestyle.

You have an increased risk if you:

·
Have not been getting routine cervical screening tests

·
Have had sex with more than one person or have a male
sexual partner who has had sex with more than one person (the more partners you
have, the higher the risk)

·
First had sex at an early age (younger than 18 years)

·
Have a male sexual partner who has had a sexual partner
with cervical cancer

·
Smoke

·
Have Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

THE Pre-cancerous
stage and early cancer of the cervix often have no symptoms. By the time
symptoms appear, the cancer cells have already spread.

When symptoms do occur, the first signs may be vaginal
bleeding in between your normal menstrual periods, spotting, watery foul
smelling discharge from the vagina, bleeding may occur after sex.

Most of the time, these signs are caused by other health
problems besides cancer. However, if you have any of these symptoms, you should
see your doctor.

Signs of advanced cancer can include pain, problems
urinating, and swollen legs.

These symptoms do not always mean cancer. If you have any
of these symptoms, see your doctor without delay.

6 WAYS TO PREVENT CERVICAL CNCER

·
GET regular cervical screening.
Cervical screening can be the greatest defenses for cervical cancer. It detects
cervical changes early before they turn into cancer.

·
Limit
the amount of sexual partners you have. Studies have shown women who have many
sexual partners increase their risk for cervical cancer. They also are
increasing their risk of developing HPV, a known cause for cervical cancer.

·
Quit
smoking or avoid second-hand smoke. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of
developing many cancers, including cervical cancer. Smoking combined with an
HPV infection can actually accelerate cervical dysplasia. Your best bet is to
kick the habit.

·
If
you are sexually active, use a condom. Having unprotected sex puts you at risk
for HIV and other STD’s which can increase your risk factor for developing
cervical cancer.

·
Follow
up on abnormal cervical screening. If you have had an abnormal result, it is
important to follow up with regular annual screening. If you have been treated
for cervical dysplasia, you still need to follow up with cervical screening.
Dysplasia can return and when undetected, can turn into cervical cancer.

·
Get
the HPV vaccine. If you are under 27, you may be eligible to receive the HPV
vaccine, which prevents high risk strains of HPV in women. The HPV vaccine, was
approved for girls as young as 9. The vaccine is most effective when given to
young women before they become sexually active.

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