Categorized | Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a condition when cells develop without control in the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb, and form a tumour. Every month the female body removes the lining of the womb through bleeding, which is commonly known as a period.

Cervical cancer is categorised into two most common types: squamous cell carcinoma, which develops in the flat cells that cover the upper part of the vagina, and adenocarcinoma, which occurs in the lining of the cervical tube, called endocervix.

Cervical cancer is a slow developing condition, which takes many years to form and thus it is relatively easy to detect before it turns cancerous if the woman regularly undergoes cervical screening. However, it rarely displays obvious symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Symptoms, if they occur, are unusual bleeding, discharge and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Around 95 per cent of cervical cancer is thought to be caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). There are many types of HPV, but only a few of them actually cause cervical cancer. These types of the virus are the ones that are passed during sexual intercourse. Weak immune system, poor diet, long-term use of the contraceptive pill, having children at an early age and smoking are thought to increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.

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