Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer happens when cells change in women’s cervix, which connects the uterus with vagina. This cancer can affect the deeper tissues of their cervix and may spread to other parts of their body (metastasize), often to the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is preventable with a vaccine and having a routine PAP test.
Risk factors include:
- Started having sex before age 16 or within a year of starting your period.
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Take birth control pills, especially for longer than 5 years.
- Smoke cigarettes.
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have a sexual transmitted disease (STD).
- Women aged 35 to 44 years.
Symptoms for cervical cancer include:
- Pain when you have sex.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as after sex, between periods, after menopause, or after a pelvis exam.
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Fatigue.
- Weight loss or decreased appetite.
