January is the month of cervical cancer awareness

You should be aware of the symptoms for which a woman needs to see a doctor. However, it is important to remember that these symptoms can also mean the presence of other - non-cancerous - processes. So when should you go to the gynecologist?

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause. In most cases, doctors determine the benign cause of the bleeding. However, it can also be associated with cancer of the endometrium or cervix.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding before menopause. Any bleeding that is not normal for you (including after intercourse) is a reason to see a doctor.
• Pelvic pain. Persistent abdominal pain and discomfort can also be a potential sign of ovarian cancer. Gas, indigestion, pressure, bloating and cramps may indicate this.
• Unexpected weight loss / gain. Tumor size is a factor in weight gain, as tumors are often not diagnosed until they are relatively small. Sometimes fluid accumulates in the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite. If you suddenly lose more than 10 pounds without changing your diet or exercising, consult your doctor.

Cervical cancer begins when healthy cervical cells develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. The cell's DNA contains "instructions" that tell the cell what to do. Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying. Mutations tell cells to multiply out of control - and the cells don't die. When they accumulate, they form a tumor.

• Presence of human papilloma virus (HPV). It is unclear whether it causes cervical cancer, but it is clear that HPV plays a role. HPV is very common, and most people with the virus never get cancer. Unprotected sex increases the risk of HPV.

• Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (increase the risk of HPV).

• Weakened immune system. You may be more likely to get cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another disease and you have HPV.

• Smoking is associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

• If your mother was taking a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage during pregnancy in the 1950s, you may be at increased risk of developing certain types of cervical cancer.

• Talk to your doctor about the appropriateness of HPV vaccination.

• Perform scheduled PAP tests. They can detect precancerous conditions. Medical organizations recommend starting routine PAP tests at age 21 and repeating every few years. 

• Practice safe sex. Reduce the risk of cervical cancer by using a condom every time you have sex.

• Don't smoke. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit. 

Make an appointment on our website or in the contact center +38 044 521 30 03.

Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-vague-cancer -signs-never-ignore/, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/.