|
|
|
|
| |
Special Focus |
|
| |
Cervical Cancer |
|
| |
Source: Article first appeared on SingHealth, Healthy Living Series - 'Let's Conquer Cancer' (2006) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Care for your womb.
Cervical Cancer?
The cervix is at the lowest part of the uterus (womb). Cancer of the cervix begins in its lining. There are 2 main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Cervical cancer develops in stages. In its early stages, it is potentially curable. That is why a regular Pap smear is important as it can detect abnormal cells that may one day become cancerous.
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
- Sexual intercourse at an early age
- Previous infection by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- Any medical condition or treatment that affects your immune system
- Eg. autoimmune disease, taking long term steroids
- Having your first child after the age of 30
- Past diagnosis of pre-cancerous stage (CIN) - Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
- Smoking
Signs & Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
- Vaginal bleeding in between periods
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Non-specific pain in the pelvic area
- Lower back pain
- Unexplained tiredness
Pre-cancerous (CIN) stage and Early Cervical Cancer (CIS - carcinoma in-situ) usually have no symptoms. Therefore, it is important for women to have regular Pap smears. All women should go for a Pap smear if they have ever had sex. Pap smears can be done 1 to 3 yearly as advised by the doctor. These symptoms may be caused by a number of problems and may not indicate the presence of cancer, but if any of the above symptoms persists or is bothering you, do consult your doctor for advice.
Cervical cancer screening is available at
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Average rating for this article
|
|
Post Your Comment |
|
Existing members
Sign In
| New users kindly Register to post your comments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Please rate the article here! 1-Very Poor 2-Poor 3-Ok 4-Good 5-Very Good
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|