Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in a woman’s cervix – the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide in year 2018.
Nonetheless, cervical cancer does not develop all at once. Cervical cancer developed when precancerous cells in the cervix turn into cancerous state. Therefore, early detection and treatment of precancer greatly improve the survival rate of cervical cancer.
Regular cervix screening is the best way to avoid diagnostic delay. Pap testing can be carried out in conjunction with HPV test to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.
Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer
1. Papanicolaou (Pap) test
Pap test, also known as Pap smear, is a screening procedure that collects and examines cells from the cervix. This procedure allows early detection of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells.
2. Human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA test
HPV DNA test, on the other hand, can be done at the same time as the Pap test. It detects the presence of HPV infection, which is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer.
Other than regular screening tests, individuals should also be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with cervical cancer. Even though individuals can be symptomless at the early stage of cancer, sign and symptoms can incur when cancer grows larger and invaded into nearby tissue.
Common sign and symptoms of cervical cancer
- Abnormal vagina bleeding
- Bloody discharge
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pain
Sign and symptoms associated with more advance stages
- Leg swelling
- Problems urinating or having a bowel movement
- Blood in the urine
However, it is very important to note that theses sign and symptoms can also be caused by diseases other than cervical cancer. Therefore, if you are still in doubt, consult a health care professional, or talk to us at Doc2us!
References:
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer.html
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1
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