Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells arise in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. HPV is almost always the cause of cervical cancer, which is why vaccines against the virus are an important part of cervical cancer prevention strategies.
Nearly all people who are sexually active will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections go away on their own within a year or two as the immune system controls the infection. These short-term infections do not cause cancer. When a high-risk HPV infection lasts for years, it can lead to changes in the cervical cells, resulting in a precancerous lesion. If the precancerous lesion is not found and removed, it may eventually develop into cervical cancer.
Unusual Bleeding- Between periods, after sex, post-menopause
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge- An increase in watery, pale, or bloody discharge that has a foul odor.
Pelvic Pain- Persistent pain or pressure in the pelvis that isn't related to your menstrual cycle.
Pain During Sex-Discomfort or pain experienced during or after sexual intercourse.
Changes in Urinary/Bowel Habits- Difficulty or pain when urinating,blood in urine, frequent urges to urinate, or changes in bowel movements.
Weight Loss/Fatigue- sometimes unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Early stages often lack symptoms, highlighting the need for regular Pap tests.
These symptoms don't always mean cancer, but it's crucial to see a healthcare provider if you notice any of them to get a proper diagnosis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three vaccines—Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix—that prevent infection with certain subtypes of HPV including HPV 16 and HPV 18, two high-risk HPVs that cause nearly 70% of cervical cancers.
Usually, cervical cancer develops slowly over time, and another powerful preventive measure is Pap test screening, a procedure during which cells are collected from the surface of the cervix and examined. The Pap test can both detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment outcomes tend to be better, and detect precancerous abnormalities, which can then be treated to prevent them from developing into cancers.
