What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops as a result of abnormal cell changes at the cervix.
Statistics
Hong Kong
Pakistan
Nepal
India
Signs and Symptoms
There may not be any symptoms at an early stage
- Bleeding between regular menstrual cycle
- Abnormal bleeding such as after sexual intercourse or pelvic examination
- Menstrual period that lasts longer than usual
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Vaginal discharge with foul smell
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pain
Risk factors of cervical cancer include:
Having multiple sexual partners
Weakened immunity
Human papillomavirus HPV (major cause of cervical cancer)
Use of oral contraceptive for more than 5 years (the risk returns to normal after 10 years of stopping use)
Smoking
Multiple childbirth and young age at first pregnancy
Having sexual intercourse at an early age
Please note:
Having above risk factor does not mean that you must have cervical cancer – it only means that your risk of developing cervical cancer may be higher than average and you should seek further medical advice from your doctor.
Preventive Measures
Practice safer sex: avoid having multiple sex partners and use condoms
Stop smoking
Get HPV vaccination before getting sexually active because vaccination provides protection against certain types of HPV.
Early detection: regular cervical cancer screening