Cervical cancer is known to cause deaths

Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer

2011-01-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer affects the women's lower part of the uterus or cervix. Every year over 11,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with this cancer. If it is diagnosed early, treatment can be successful. On the other hand, a misdiagnosis can result in delayed treatment. Without the proper treatment, the survival rate decreases considerably and it may lead to death.

There are medical attorneys that will represent victims who had a misdiagnosis of with cancer. Speak with an attorney regarding the claim; they will evaluate your case free of charge.

How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed

Sexually active women should go have regular Pap smears. While Pap smears are not a diagnostic test, they are used to spot abnormal cells. If abnormal cells are present, further tests should be ordered to make a positive diagnosis. Some diagnostic tests include:

Colposcopy - an instrument called a colposcope is used to look at the cervix and see more clearly areas of abnormal cell growth
Biopsy - a sample of abnormal tissue is taken from the cervix for testing
Endocervical scraping - a specialized instrument is used to scrape tissue lining the endocervical canal, an area the doctor cannot reach with the colposcope
Cone biopsy - a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix

Not overseeing diagnostic tests or misinterpreting the results can put off successful treatment options and the consequences can be fatal.

How Misdiagnosis Occurs

A missed or wrong diagnosis of cervical cancer may occur for the following reasons:

The doctor fails to recognize symptoms of cervical cancer, thereby failing to perform the tests necessary for diagnosis
The doctor fails to obtain a full patient history, which is important for identifying risk factors such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Lab results are misinterpreted
A laboratory error causes the patient's results to be confused with another patient's

There are many types of misdiagnosis. Delayed diagnosis, missed diagnosis and wrong diagnosis can each have their own consequence. For instance, a wrong diagnosis of cancer when a patient does not have it can mean a person undergoing treatments that are not needed. In addition, if cancer was missed, a patient will not receive treatment they actually need to live.

Have You Been Misdiagnosed?

If you were misdiagnosed with cervical cancer, there is legal action you can take and with the help of a medical attorney, it can happen. The negligent party can be held liable and a victim can recover some compensation for damages lost. This can include lost wages, treatment costs, pain, and suffering.

Contact an attorney to learn more about your legal rights if you have received a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer. They will evaluate your case at no cost and advise you of your rights.

Learn About Factors That Can Affect Cervical Cancer Prognosis

2011-01-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

Once someone has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, they often wonder (along with treatment options, recovery time, and lifestyle changes) what their prognosis or their chance of recovery is and how long they will live.

This is a fair question and cervical cancer prognosis depends on a number of different things such as:

- The stage of the cancer (whether it affects part of the cervix, involves the whole cervix, or has spread to the lymph nodes or other places in the body).
- The type of cervical cancer.
- The size of the tumor.

Treatment options depend on the following:

- The stage of the cancer.
- The size of the tumor.
- The patient's desire to have children.
- The patient's age.

What if you are pregnant and are diagnosed with cervical cancer?

Treatment of cervical cancer during pregnancy depends on the stage of the cancer and the stage of the pregnancy. For cervical cancer found early or for cancer found during the last trimester of pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until after the baby is born.

I hope you got lots of value from this article, as I definitely did try to provide it. As this article has been informative, it is your job to do further research and educate yourself.

Cancer is horrible, as we all know - but there is a good way and a bad way of dealing with it and getting past it. The better your attitude and knowledge, the better off you will be.

Cervical Cancer Risk Reduction

2011-01-06T20:56:00.001-08:00

Of all the common cancer that affect woman, cervical cancer is among the top list. Sexually transmitted HPV (human papillomavirus) is the culprit in most cases of cervical cancers. Over half of the cervical cancer reported cases occur in women between 40 and 55 although it is not uncommon for women of 35 to be amongst the risk group. The body's immune system works to keep the HPV from doing damage, yet the HPV virus can last for years and over time it takes some cells on the surface and turns them to cervix cancer cells. Routine and periodic screening from paps tests can help you catch this early and thus this has helped reduce the number of deaths in women in the United States, but still we lose 4,000 to 5,000 women a year to cervical cancers.

In research the things, which increase risk of cervical cancer may include large numbers of sexual partners, which increase risk of HPV. Having other sexually transmitted diseases also increase you chances of cervical cancer. Weak immune system periods can increase your bodies ability to keep the HPV at bay. Early sexual activity can also cause a problem, due to non-mature cells being more apt to take on the cancer cell growth. Even smoking although research is not conclusive may in fact inhibit your bodies defenses against HPV.

Your strategy for reduction of risk of the HPV and cervical cancer damage should include routine and periodic paps tests. Ask your doctor for additional information and do your own research on this. It is smart to pay attention and early screening is the key to saving lives. Think on this.

The Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

2011-01-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer is another form of uterine cancer. It begins in the cells on the surface of the cervix, either on the lower part, or in the upper part of the cervix. It is a slow-growing and malignant cancer. (Malignant simply means that it spreads). The cervix is the connector that connects the uterus to the birth canal, and is actually a part of the uterus.

Cervical cancer is usually the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through sexual contact. The virus can survive in the body for many years before it causes cancer, and in some cases the cancer never develops.

A new vaccine is available to stop the virus, and medical professionals are encouraging young girls and women to get the vaccine. The claim is that by the year 2022 cervical cancers will be reduced due to the vaccine. But the vaccine is still to new, to know about all the possible long-term side-effects it will cause. The best way to be on guard against this cancer is to build up the immune system and eliminate as many risk factors as possible.

Those at highest risk for developing this cancer are young girls who became sexually active before the age of 18, and those who have, or have had numerous partners. Those who smoke, use birth control pill, condoms and tampons are also at a higher risk.

The symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear until the later stages of the cancer, but pre-cancerous cells can be detected with a pap test.

The following symptoms may occur in the more advanced stages of cervical cancer.

- Bleeding in between periods, or after menopause. This can be heavy or light bleeding.
- Pelvic pains which can be dull or sharp pains, and can last for hours.
- A vaginal discharge may also occur, and may be foul smelling, thick, and may contain mucus or blood.
- Leaking of urine or feces from vagina.
- Bleeding after intercourse.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Pain or heavy bleeding while menstruating.
- Pain during urinating can occur if cancer has spread to the bladder.
- Loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

Other symptoms may include fatigue, back pain, leg pain, a single swollen leg, and easy fracturing of the bones.

Treatments are available; one can choose either conventional treatments which consist of chemo, radiation and surgery, or, one can choose to be healed naturally using Chinese medicines, or herbs.

Aims of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine

2011-01-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

Cervix is the neck of the uterus. It is the bottom, slim part of the uterus which is connected to the topmost part of the vagina. Cervical cancer is believed to be due to the infection caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The malignant symptoms of this cancer include bleeding of the vagina, contact bleeding and vaginal mass. Other symptoms include moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge. In the advanced stages of this disease, a person experiences loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, single swollen leg, heavy vaginal bleeding, bone fractures and leaking of urine or feces from the vagina.

Because of the growing cases of cervical cancer each year, a cervical cancer vaccine was made available. It was aimed to provide protection from HPV which is believed to be the root cause of most cervical cancer. Gardasil is the first cervical cancer vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Its effectiveness is said to be up to 98%. Cervarix is the other cervical cancer vaccine which is already in use in some countries. But in other countries, it is still waiting for approval before its full campaign. Gardasil vaccine protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Cervarix is said to be 92% effective against HPV 16 and 18. HPV types 6 and 11 are considered as the cause for 90% reason for all genital warts issues. HPV 16 and 18, on the other hand, are considered as the cause for 70% of all cervical cancer issues. The vaccine aims to particularly block the causes of the cancer (such as the HPV) to even get to the core.

Out of the 11,000 American women established to have cervical cancer yearly, close to 4,000 of them die because of the said disease. Is the fifth most common cancer that causes death amongst women. At present, Gardasil and Cervarix are highly recommend to women from ages nine to twenty five years old who never experienced HPV yet. But another study shows that this HPV vaccine can also be effective for women from ages forty-five and above.

Gardasil vaccination among men reduces their risk of getting genital warts and precancerous lesions because of the HPV. This vaccine is particularly popular among gay men. Aside from getting genital warts, they are the ones more likely to have penile and anal cancers as well.

At present, Gardasil is not recommended to pregnant women since its long term fertility effect is not yet known.

Until today, vaccines are reported to be safe. In the United States, more than sixteen million doses of the vaccine were dispensed already. Amongst the most common side-effects are soreness where the injection was done, slight fever, dizziness and fainting. However, all these are only considered common mild effects. There were also reports of some serious side-effects such as brain swelling, severe allergic response, paralysis, weakness and death; however, these were not linked to the vaccine itself. Still, the FDA continues to monitor on this.

The Stages Of Cervical Cancer

2011-01-06T04:35:00.002-08:00

Cervical cancer is a slow-growing and malignant cancer. The cancer cells are formed in the cells on the surface of the cervix, which is located in the pelvic area. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, and is the tubular muscle which connects the uterus to the birth canal.

Cervical cancer is mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread by sexual contact. This virus does not always cause cancer, but it is the cause in most cases. Whether or not this virus will lead to cancer depends on the lifestyle and immune system of that individual. Those with a strong immune system can normally fight the virus.

There are basically two main types of cancerous cells in cervical cancer. The Squamous cell carcinomas and the Adenocarcinomas. 80 to 90 percent of all cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. These begin in the thin cells which line the bottom of the cervix. 10 to 20 percent are Adenocarcinomas, and they begin in the glandular cells which line the upper part of the cervix.

What are the stages of cervical cancer?

Basically there are 5 stages of this cancer, and they usually are numbered 0-4. If the cancer is not stopped in time it will spread to the uterus, bladder, abdomen, lungs and other organs. Once it spreads to the organs, there is little or no hope of survival.

Stage 0.) At this stage the cancer cells exist only on the surface of the cervix, and have not begun to spread into the deeper tissues.

Stage 1.) The cancer still remains in the cervix, but the cells have begun to spread into the deeper tissues.

Stage 2.) The cancer has begun to spread to the surrounding tissues of the cervix, and possibly the upper part of the vagina.

Stage 3.) The cancer is starting to spread outside of the cervix. It either spreads down and into the vagina, and into the muscles that line the lower pelvic wall. Or it spreads up towards the

bladder where it can block the flow of urine coming from the kidneys and draining into the bladder.

Stage 4.) The cancer is spreading to the rest of the body, the uterus, and vital organs.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear until the later stages of the cancer, but abnormal or pre-cancerous cells can be detected with a pap smear before the cancer occurs. The sooner the cancer is detected, the greater chance of surviving it.

About Detection Tool: Cervical Cancer Detection Tool

2011-01-06T04:35:00.000-08:00

Cancer is the most deadly disease until today. The reason is because the patients do not aware if they have cancer in their body. In Fact, cancer can be detected earlier. On of the most deadly cancer for women is cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer attacks women in their reproductive area. From year to year cancer's patients are increased. In 2002, around four hundred thousand women suffer from this disease. Every day around 40 people are cancer suffered including women with their cervical cancer.

It would be better for the women to check their reproduction organ's health regularly. It should be done by all women whether they have done their first sexual intercourse, married even for a single woman. It is important since women are not aware that they have suffered this disease. The purpose is to prevent and detect the cancer's cell. The earlier the cancer is detected the bigger the chance to cure it. All oncologists stated that cervical cancer is the most treatable diseases so it will be better if the disease is detected earlier. By checking your organ to the doctor regularly, you have prevented your self from cervical cancer.

Detecting the presence of cancer cells in the body is recommended by every doctor. Early stage of this cancer can be detected by Pap smear test. This method is used to detect the earlier stage of the cancer or the change of the cervix. This tool is found by Papa George Nicolaou in 1924s. Then, it broadly used in 1949.

The patients will be checked in lithotomic position. The doctor will take a sample of the cervix using aylesbury spatula. This method is very affordable for all women. Even though you have done the test but it would be better if you check it regularly. This article describes Pap smear as detection tool and method for cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer - 3 Ways Detect it Early

2011-01-06T04:27:00.002-08:00

In the previous years, women aged 60 and above were the ones most prone to cervical cancer. But with the 2009 report, an alarming 58% of these cases were women within the age range of 40 and 50 years old only. With such stats, it is therefore important to know the signs of cervical carcinoma so that its symptoms can be contained. Advanced cases of this type of medical condition can become invasive, which means that there is a very good chance that the cancer cells will afflict surround tissues and muscles as well.

So what are the most common signs of cervical cancer?

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding or signs of unusual blood spotting is one of the more common signs of the pre-cancer stages of the cervix. It may come in various forms like: blood spotting between menstrual periods, bouts of heavy and light menstruation, vaginal bleeding after sex, blood spotting after the menopausal stage and even vaginal bleeding after douching. In some cases, the woman may experience unusual discharge between menstruation's.

2. Pain during sexual intercourse. Vaginal bleeding is often preceded by pain during sexual intercourse. This may be due to the increased sensitivity or inflammation of the tissues and muscles of the cervix. In advanced stages, pain in this area is an indication that the cancer cells have already spread out to the surrounding areas.

3. Pain during normal bodily functions. Two other signs of cervical cancer include pain during peeing and bowel movement. Pain brought about by UTI or urinary tract infection is another indication that the muscles of the reproductive system is on a hyper sensitive stage.

Cervical Cancer Vaccination

2011-01-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a malignant growth of the cervix uteri or surrounding cervical area. Symptoms are often not visible until the cancer is very advanced although some cases will present with vaginal bleeding or an odorous vaginal discharge. Due to the lack of clear symptoms women aged between 25 and 49 are invited for a smear test every 3 years.

Diagnosis

The smear test involves taking a sample of cervical cells which are then tested for abnormalities. If abnormalities are found this is not necessarily indicative of cancer. If an abnormal smear is taken, the person will then visit a gynecologist for a colposcopy which involves an internal vaginal examination. This can sometimes involve a biopsy which is where a sample of tissue is removed to examine under a microscope.

HPV

Cancer involves a change in the DNA so that cell replication and growth becomes unregulated. Causes of this are widespread and include Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), smoking, numbers of children and more. HPV is the biggest cause of cervical cancer with over 99% of cases being associated with an infection. HPV can lie dormant in mucous membranes of the body and eventually leads to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia which is the stage before cancer. HPV does not always cause cancer but it is a significant risk factor. HPV is spread through sexual intercourse and so women with multiple partners are most at risk.

HPV Vaccine

Since September 2008 there has been a recent move to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against two of the strains of HPV which are those thought to be involved in causing cancer. It involves three injections over a 6 month period given routinely in schools.

There has been some controversy over the new program. As with any vaccination there are also some possible side effects. Most of these are very mild and might include some mild flu like symptoms or swelling. However, there is also a very small chance that the vaccination could incur a more severe allergic reaction leading to anaphylactic shock. Particular to this vaccine there has been some worry that by giving a vaccine against a virus that is sexually transmitted it could encourage sexual promiscuity or apathy against sexually transmitted diseases. Some argue that the cost of the vaccination programme is not justifiable when infection could be prevented by safe sex practices.

A girl recently died suddenly after receiving the vaccination in a school in Coventry. As of yet there has been no confirmed link between the vaccine and her death but vaccination programs have been terminated until a result can be determined. Since the start of the programme 1.8 million girls have been given the vaccine and no other deaths have been reported. Other girls given the vaccine in the same school also reported side effects but none needed admitting to hospital. This has newly awakened the debate over the vaccine and whether it should really be given at all.

Alternative Cervical Cancer Treatment - 2 Natural Therapies

2011-01-06T04:25:00.000-08:00

Cervix is a female organ than connects uterus and vagina. The cancerous growth that happens on the tissues of cervix is termed as cervical cancer. This disease happens in women. Cervical cancer is a slow growing one and hardly could it be detected till it reaches an advanced stage. There are many alternative cervical cancer treatments available these days, apart from traditional treatments like surgery.

Cervical cancer can be detected in early stages with the help of Pap smear screening. Apart from Pap smear screening, biopsy of the cervix is also an effective procedure to detect this disease. Biopsy of the cervix is performed using colposcopy, a cervix visual inspection procedure. An early stage this disease is treated by surgery while an advanced stage of this disorder is treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Apart from these traditional methods of treating, nowadays there are many alternative treatments available.

Bio-photonic light therapy: The word photon means light. In this therapy, the human body cells that have been drained by the disease are recharged by exposing them to light rays. Exposure of the body cells to natural light rays provides and complements for all the loss of body energy and strengthens the immune system too. This in turn helps in fighting the cancer cells.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture a traditional Chinese method of treating for various diseases including cervical cancer. These days even the western world has accepted these practices as an effective one after researches. Acupuncture includes removal of toxic substances from the blood, increasing blood flow, fighting the undesired accumulation of unwanted tissues that lead to tumor and cancer later on. Researches have proved that acupuncture increases body immunity system.

Three Important Things to Know About Cervical Cancer

2011-01-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

As you may be aware, the links between HPV and cervical cancer were actually hypothesized decades ago. At that time, women had very few choices with this virus when it came to avoiding infection. Fortunately, modern women can easily take advantage of immunizations, as well as early detection methods for cervical cancer. This is especially important to consider for girls who have not yet become sexually active, as well as older women who want to avoid cervical cancer.

Avoiding and Preventing HPV

Even though you may want your children to grow up and raise families of their own, it will always be a struggle to come to terms with accepting this stage of development. On the other hand, a number of people start out in life without considering the fact that they may wind up in a relationship where one, or both, partners have past sexual experiences with other people. Under these circumstances, it becomes virtually impossible to prevent the spread of HPV from one person to another. While you may not like the moral implications of these issues, you still need to consider the long term health consequences. At the very least, if you have daughters in their teen years, you should seriously consider letting them decide whether, or not, they want the HPV vaccine.

Contraceptives, Early Detection, and Cervical Cancer

Many women who use birth control pills end up thinking that their partners no longer needs to use a condom. No matter how much you may want to trust your partner, this can easily leave you vulnerable to HPV; right along with any other STD's that your partner may pick up from someone else. In a similar way, if you use a diaphragm, IUD, or other birth control methods that do not prevent the flow of bodily fluids, you will always be at risk from HPV. Needless to say, the situation becomes even more complicated if you decide to have children with your partner.

If you find yourself in a situation where condom usage is not possible, you should always ensure that you stay up- to- date on pap smears and other forms of cervical cancer testing. It is also very important to stay informed about newer testing methods, as well as the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. As may be expected, if you have genital warts, you may want to have pap smears done more often.

Cervical Cancer Treatments

As with many other cancers, prevention, early detection, and viable treatment methods can easily cause a significant reduction in suffering and death. These are just one of many reasons why it is so important to consider all of your options, before you agree to a specific treatment method. For example, you should always keep abreast of newer drugs that are being released on an experimental basis, as well as therapies that include diet modification and other lifestyle changes.

If you are afraid of a cancer diagnosis, it is important to talk to people who have it, and are undergoing treatment. Many will tell you that cancer does not change their lives for the worse. You will find many brave people who open themselves to life and experience things that they never thought they would. In many cases, they find a level of personal satisfaction that they never had before. Contrary to popular belief, life does not end when you are diagnosed with cancer. For some, it is when their life truly begins.

Cervical Cancer Vaccines - A General Insight

2011-01-06T04:19:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer has been eating away a huge number of women. To be particular about 4000 women die each year due to cervical cancer. The number is growing frivolously, but thanks to the vaccine that has been discovered to fight Virus (HPV or Human Papillovirusa). Worst part of being faced with this cancer is that it forms in teenagers or women in their early twenties. However, it is only in the later stage of life that one realises its deadliness as it is a slower killer and a smooth operator. For it begins along the cervix's lining and then connect the uterus, this process takes a good amount of years before it completely. Jade Goody, controversial realty TV star raised awareness about this cancer and people have now started seeking more and more correct information of HPV.

If you are mother of a teenage daughter, here is what you always wanted to know about cervical cancer vaccine before giving it to your daughter.

How is HPV transmitted?

It is a most common sexually transmitting virus that gets passed on by oral, anal and genital sex. If one gets infected and her immune system is strong enough, the infection can be cleared in 2 years flat. However, if her body is coupled with some other disorder chances of this infection growing at decent speed arises. In Damages caused by HPV virus causes cancer. Now couple of vaccines are available as a precautionary measure which young girls need to be consumed before they begin their coital relationship.

Diagnosis?

This cancer can be diagnosed with certain number of tests. See your doctor to get yourself tested on them.

How vaccines operate and when to take the shot?

· Currently available vaccines are Gardasil and Cervarix.

· They induct antigens which are added to the immune system and are responsible to protect the body against certain cancer causing viruses and its strains.

· It stops any cancerous viruses to do damage to your system and if they already exist in your body, then it will stop it from multiplying.

· You have to take three shots of this vaccine. Gap between the first and second should 1 month, while between second and three should be four months.

· It shouldn't be consumed by pregnant women or new mothers who are breastfeeding

Does it have any side effect?

Just like any other vaccine, HPV vaccine also shows side effects that one must be prepared to face, which include: pain and swelling around the injected area which can be relieved by apply ice. Some have suffered diarrhea and blisters around the injected area.

When to get vaccine, ideally?

Before one becomes sexually active, she should be vaccine. For in certain cases it was observed that it was too late to vaccine women for they had already acquired this dangerous cancer.

Currently, the activists and health specialists are targeting the young girls between the age group of 12-15 years, just when they are attaining their puberty. It is available in most of the clinics.

How long will the vaccine be effective?

The last updated study shows that its effect lasts for five years. It will be few years before one can mention confidently about how long the effect will last, for the vaccines are hardly half a decade old. Coming years will show how long many cervical cancer cases have been reduced by this vaccine

Will it still call for medical check up?

Of course! Remember no vaccine or medicine is full proof and hence, one always needs to undergo smears, physical examination and complete body check up to make sure that you are in a fit shape all the time. Also, it helps to detect any early beginning of a chronic disorder.

It is time to add this vaccine on your must-give-vaccines-for-your-child. To be on safer side, give her early on when she is just entering her puberty.

How to Reduce Cervical Cancer Risks

2011-01-06T04:17:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of pap smear tests? What about cervical cancer then? Yes, cervical cancers are categorized as a malignant type of cancer, which is capable of causing death. Its threat is equal to its common cancer counterpart, the breast cancer.

Women can take several simple steps to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer. Small lifestyle adjustments, combined with medical care, go a long way in preventing cervical cancer.

1. Get screened regularly for the disease

Getting a regular pap smear test is a highly effective way to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. There are no other ways. Do this annually and pray for your safety. You have been warned.

2. Practise safe sex, always

There are no emotions to be used as excuses here. 'HPV' (virus responsible for causing the cancer) is a common sexually transmitted virus and is the primary cause of most this cancer. You can reduce the risk of being infected by using a condom during sexual intercourse. If you ever suspect amiss, then please get the morning after pill, to be safe rather than sorry afterwards in future.

3. Limit the number of your sexual partners

Having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of being infected by 'HPV'.

4. Get immunised against 'HPV'

Vaccination against the virus will reduce the risk of infections of types 16 and 18 (responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers) by high risk 'HPV'. This vaccination can offer good protection against high risk strain for 'pre' cancerous changes to the cervix. 'HPV' vaccination is best suited for girls who are not yet sexually active. But, research has shown than the virus vaccination offers protection up to the age of 45 years of age.

7 Tips to Prevent Cervical Cancer

2011-01-06T04:16:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer is a disease that is dangerous and frightening for women. Cervical cancer is preventable but still there are thousands if not millions of women in the world diagnosed with this disease. To avoid this disease there are several ways of prevention can be taken include:

1. Do the best inspection

Many cases of cervical cancers caused by HPV infection, is a type of virus that attacks through sexual intercourse. There are about 90% of HPV recover without treatment. Conversely, if not, will be potentially the formation of cancer cells.

To detect these cells, Pap smear examination is still the standard. But some research revealed that screening for HPV can more easily stop the cancer. If the HPV test results show positive, your doctor will consider more carefully about the changes in the cervix and remove precancerous cells that may exist.

2. Avoid Smoking

Cigarette smoke can weaken the body's defenses so that HPV infection can last longer in women who smoke compared with nonsmokers. Besides that, you must also belief smoking can cause other diseases that also harmful to health.

3. Use a lubricant intimate organs

Use of organs intimate lubricant made from carrageen an, a thickener compound derived from seaweed can stop the HPV survive in healthy cells.

4. Eat broccoli and their relatives

Plant compounds in broccoli, cauliflower and so may help the cells that are infected with HPV self-destruction. This method is very natural to kill cells that are not healthy, so reducing the risk of this disease.

5. Perform routine inspection Pap smear

Always consult with your doctor. There is a possibility you are advised to undergo examination Pap smear every year or every 3 years, depending on your risk factor for cervical cancer. Consult with your doctor in more detail about what you feel and the things that must be done to reduce the risk of this disease.

6. HPV Vaccine

HPV vaccine can help prevent this disease. For more details, ask your doctor to get more detailed information about the vaccine HPV.

7. Know more about cervical cancer

Find out information about cervical cancer; you can do this by looking for information on the Internet, newspapers, television or through forums, seminars and others. By knowing more about it, you will certainly understand how the ways to avoid and prevent this disease and may help your relatives or friends they are challenged to communicate to the dangers of this disease.

Cervical Cancer - Signs, Symptoms and Treatmentsd

2011-01-06T04:15:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact that cervical cancer has been identified as the second most common cancer among women worldwide as research has consistently shown that it kills more than 300,000 women yearly. Though it can be medically prevented, even in women at high risk, but due to the ignorance and non-challant attitude of our women and the so called health worker, the reverse is the case. However, the good news is that with modern science, a small inexpensive screening could potentially save lives. Its on record that screening in United Kingdom saves over 100,000 lives every year, with premalignant diseases detected and treated in several women.

Some of the signs and symptoms to look out for. But before i proceed, i must warn that symptoms do not usually appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue and when this happens the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding which starts and stop between regular menstrual bleeding periods or may occur after sexual intercourse, douching, menstrual bleeding that last longer and heavier than usual, also to note when there is increase in vaginal discharge, bleeding after menopause may also be a symptom of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer starts as abnormality of cells on cervix and if not detected early or treated, it gradually invade normal cells of the cervix and surrounding tissues or lymph nodes which eventually spreads to other parts of the body. If these lesions have not invaded normal cells of the cervix, treatment is very simple and straightforward. Pre-cancerous changes of the cervix usually do not cause pain and are not detected unless a woman takes a pelvic examination and Pap test.

Treatments - There are many ways to treat cervical cancer.

(1) Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure {LEEP} which can be performed in the doctors office under local anesthetic, where electrically charged wire loop is used to remove the outer portion of the cervix that contains the abnormal tissue.

(2) Cryosurgery can also be performed in the doctors office and this does not require an anesthetic. This procedure freezes and kills the abnormal cells of the cervix when a silver probe is placed against the cervix.

(3)Cryosurgery Hysterectomy is another treatment that I would want to mention. Here the uterus is removed through the abdomen or vagina. This is a major surgery that requires the patient staying overnight in the hospital. It is usually performed on pre- invasive lesions and sometimes for women who have had more than one relapse and no longer have enough tissue to perform another LEEP.

Treatment of invasive cancer - The extent of tumor growth always determine the treatment required and if the tumor is small and confined to the cervix tissues, then radical hysterectomy or radiation therapy may be applied. When tumors are large or extends to adjacent tissues or lymph nodes more intensive therapy is required.

Radical Hysterectomy - This is the surgical removal of the uterus, the ligaments and connective tissues that hold the uterus in place. You can also remove lymph nodes in the pelvic area with this method, if microscopic cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes and ligaments that hold the uterus. After a radical hysterectomy operation has been carried out, a woman may no longer have menstrual periods and may not be able to bear children. However, she will continue to have the female hormone estrogen in her body and with this method the cure rate of the cervical cancer is about 90%.

Radiation Therapy - Here high energy rays are used to damaged cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is a localized treatment that means it attack cancer cells at a particular area of the body. Usually the radiation is performed externally from a large machine or radioactive materials placed directly into the cervix known as implant radiation

. Chemotherapy - This involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy may be given by injection into a vein or by mouth,so that the drugs flow easily through the body into the bloodstream

. Biological Therapy - is usually used to treat cancer that has spread from cervix to other parts of the body. Here we use substance to strengthen a woman s immune system to better fight her cancer. Interferon is the most common form of biological therapy used to treat cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Treatment Options Abroad

2011-01-03T19:18:00.002-08:00

Understanding cervical cancer

A form of cancer, which affects the cervix (i.e. a part of the female reproductive system) is a slow growing tumor caused almost always due to an infection of Human Papilloma Virus. The other predisposing factors include early sexual activity, having multiple sexual partners, prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills, infection due to sexually transmitted diseases, and smoking. PAP smear, a screening test for detecting cervical cancer, is recommended among sexually active women. To confirm the diagnosis colposcopy, punch or cone biopsy of the cervical tissue is done. Other imaging techniques like CT scan, X ray or PET scan may be used to assess the extent of metastasis and the stage of tumor growth.

Cervical Cancer Surgery

The option of surgical treatment would depend only upon the stage and the location of the cancer. There are different forms of treatments available, which include hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and the cervix), Radical hysterectomy (removal of uterus, cervix, a part of the vagina and the surrounding lymph nodes), Pelvic Exenteration (removal of the cervix, uterus, vagina, ovaries, lymph nodes, lower colon, rectum, and bladder). Cryosurgery and laser surgery are options that are available for pre-cancerous conditions and smaller tumors.

Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in treatment

In cases of extensive metastasis beyond the cervix, and when surgical intervention is considered inadequate to remove the cancer, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are recommended. The treatment is also given prior to (neo-adjuvant) and after (adjuvant) surgery to improve the surgical outcome. Both the treatments are accompanied by several side effects, like hair loss, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to infections, diarrhea, and dysuria.

Cervical Cancer treatment option Abroad

With rapidly evolving technology, international quality standards and protocols for medical and surgical care, and international accreditation with JCI, JACHO and ISO, countries like India, South Korea, Turkey, Jordan and Mexico have gained reputation as the leading destinations for treatment of cervical cancer treatment. Low cost of treatment and tremendous cost saving opportunities has resulted in an increase in the number of American patients considering the option of going abroad to seek out for high quality and low cost medical care

Detecting Cervical Cancer

2011-01-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer is more likely to affect women during their middle age years and beyond.

However, this disease can occur any time during a woman's child bearing years. This is why it is important for women of all ages to understand the different stages of this type of cancer. Early detection is important in order for women to have a good chance at survival.

This will allow a woman to get the proper treatments before the disease progresses to advanced stages, when the chances for survival are slim. Also, the type of treatment that a woman will receive for cervical cancer is determined by the stage of the disease in her particular situation.

There are two types of cervical cancer tumors. One classification is known as pre-invasive. This means that the lower third of the epithelium is made up of abnormal cells. The other classification of cervical cancers tumors are called invasive. In this case, the full thickness of the epithelium consists of cells that are proliferating abnormally.

This cancer occurs in the lining of the cervix. This consists of the lower region of a woman's uterus, or womb, were the opening of the vagina is located. This type of cancer does not always spread to other parts of the body. However, if it does spread, it will typically affect the rectum, lungs, bladder, liver, and vagina.

This form of cancer starts from changes that occur in the cells. A virus known as the the human papilloma (HPV) causes cervical cancer. This virus is transferred through contact with the genitals of an infected person. This is why this virus is often spread during sexual activity.

A woman who has multiple sexual partners is at an increased risk for infection from this virus. Also, women who begin having sex early in life, or who have had multiple sexually transmitted diseases are also more susceptible to developing HPV as well as HIV. Some symptoms of cervical during its advanced stages include back pain, leg pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Other risk factors for developing this type of cancer include a diet that does not consist of fruits and vegetables. Also, the long term use of birth control pills can increase a woman's risk but she can reduce that risk by simply discontinuing the use of oral contraceptives. Doctors recommend that women get the HPV vaccination to reduce their risks for cervical cancer.

What is Cervical Cancer

2011-01-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the cervix uteri or cervical area. It has been found that the Human Papilomavirus (HPV) Infection is a the cause for approximately 70% all cervical cancer. Other co-factors are HIV infections, chlamyudia infection, dietary factors, hormonal contraceptions, multiple pregnancies, expose to the hormonal drug diethylstilbestrol and a family history of cervical cancer.

There is now a vaccine called gaurdasil to help prevent HPV. HPV is an infection caused by having many sexual partners or having a partner that has had many sexual partners. There are more than 250 types of HPV, of these 15 are classified as high-risk types.

How do you lower your risk for cervical cancer?
1. yearly pap smear screening can identify potentially precancerous changes. It is important to do yearly check ups as the symptoms of early stages of cervical cancer may be asymptomatic.
2. get vaccinated
3. use safe sex practices
4. healthy diet and vitamins to keep your immune system in good working order

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer
1. vaginal bleeding - contact bleeding or a vaginal mass (rarely) may indicate cervical cancer
2 painful sexual intercourse
3 vaginal discharge

In advanced disease metastases may be present in the abdomen, lungs, or elsewhere. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, single swollen leg, heavy bleeding from the vagina, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina and bone fractures.

Treatment of cervical cancer will depend on which stage you are diagnosed with and you should discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of the treatment. Find out all about your treatment options and the side effects of those treatments so you will know what you will need help with.

You can find more women's health issues, vitamins, and remedies at MegaMall Stores

Information About Cervical Cancer

2010-12-31T19:58:00.001-08:00

When cells in an area of body grow abnormally, cancer can develop. Cervical cancer is abnormal cell growth in the cervix. The cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus (the womb). Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening. It begins when women becomes infected with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If the immune system does not clear the infection, normal cells can begin to grow abnormally and turn into precancerous lesions. If not discovered early and treated, this abnormal cell growth can become cancer. Most often this can take a number of years, although in rare cases it can happen within a year.
Women who have been infected with certain types of HPV and have not been to clear the virus can get cervical cancer and pre-cancer. About half of all females diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old. Many of these women were most likely exposed to cancer causing HPV type during their teens and 20's. Most of the women who get cervical cancer may have never had a Pap test.
HPV is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are more than 100 types of the virus. Most types of HPV do not cause any symptoms, are harmless and are cleared. About 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could turn into cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts and benign (noncancerous) changes in the cervix. HPV has also been linked to other rare disease including vaginal and vulvar cancer, as well as RRP (recurrent respiratory papillomatosis), a disease of the throat that makes breathing difficult. Because people who have HPV may not show any sign or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it. Anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV, even if there is no sexual intercourse.
Because HPV usually has no sign or symptoms, most people infected with HPV don't know they have it. Most HPV infections are first discovered as a result of abnormal Pap test. A Pap test is part of a gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become pre-cancer or cervical cancer. Many cervical pre-cancers (changes that could lead to cancer) are related to HPV and can be treated successfully if detected early. That's why early detection is so important.

Bardnurz Sham, a young nutritionist who devote his daily activities to food and nutritional science. Doesn't believe in chemical base source of food which contain preservative, coloring and acid base foods. Write an article to educate people so that they can improve their life by eat well and have a wonderful life.

Fear or Fact? Cervical Cancer and the HPV Vaccine

2010-12-31T19:57:00.001-08:00

Unless you've been living in isolation for the past 1 - 2 years, you would have found it almost impossible to avoid hearing about the risk of cervical cancer, and the two new HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) that have now been introduced as a prevention strategy against this disease.

In a revolutionary age where media campaigning has tremendous power and potential to infiltrate thinking and ideas on national and global scales, distinguishing fact from emotion becomes a confronting, yet subtle dilemma.

The platform for the introduction of these 2 new HPV vaccines onto the worldwide market has been on the basis of the threat and risk of cervical cancer, and has presented the same dilemma to potential recipients of these vaccines.

The problem is, although facts are a far more logical basis on which to make such a decision, emotion is often a far more powerful motivator for action or compliance in situations where health is the prime factor. And in this situation, the fear of cervical cancer has formed a very solid basis for the HPV vaccine campaigns.

There's certainly no question that cervical cancer disease 'can'' and 'does' have serious (sometimes fatal) outcomes. However equally so, 'any''medical procedure, artificial drug, pharmaceutical product or vaccine by its very nature also carries with it varying degrees of risk - both temporary and permanent. This includes the HPV vaccines.

The unfortunate truth is that the bulk of media campaigning and information disseminated to the public has avoided, disguised or cleverly side-stepped pointing out the facts and health risks associated with the actual vaccines, which to date have included (but are not limited to): loss of consciousness, paralysis, Guillain Barre Syndrome, hospitalisation, permanent disability and death.

The questions any female or parent (of daughters) considering this vaccine needs to ask themselves are these:

'Is' cervical cancer as widespread and as serious a health risk as portrayed in media campaigns and by our health authorities?
Is it merely coincidence that solid media campaigns against cervical cancer disease have been hand-in-hand with the introduction of these vaccines?
Have all the facts regarding all the risks of both the disease and the vaccine been accurately revealed?

The challenge for any potential recipient, is in identifying the true facts about the risk of cervical cancer versus the associated risks and benefits of the vaccine. Unfortunately, many recipients of these vaccines have based their decision on limited information provided in media campaigning that has ignored 'all' the facts - resulting in decisions made on emotion rather than sound logical judgment.

Tragically in many cases, the associated health risks of the vaccine has resulted in more devastating and irreversible outcomes than an actual cervical cancer diagnosis. As challenging as it might be, you owe it to yourself to research the facts before deciding whether or not these vaccines are of benefit, and whether these benefits outweigh any potential risks.

By basing your decision on fact, not fear, - your decision will be an informed one, and the one that's right for you in your individual situation. Whatever you decide, make it an informed one.

Cervical Cancer and Infertility

2010-12-31T19:56:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer does not necessarily mean that you will become infertile but the odds are extremely high. This is not an easy concept to come to terms with, even for women who have gone through menopause or who have made up their minds to never have children. The enforced, involuntary removal of the womb is a very final act beyond which there is no going back. The ability to decide for oneself is taken away. It may even feel as though one's womanhood is being stolen, especially if one's identity is bound more in one's physicality than one's spiritual and psychological being. Many women find that if they allow themselves to grieve, as for the death of a loved one, it helps them to make sense of the loss and to integrate the experience into their sense of self.

Some pre-cancer treatments can adversely affect your fertility, the cone biopsy for example. There is a small chance that the cervix can close very tightly after a cone biopsy procedure, so tightly that sperm isn't able to enter it. This condition is known as cervical stenosis. If you are still able to menstruate after the cone biopsy then you don't have complete cervical stenosis, if the womb lining can get out, sperm can get in. Women who have had cone biopsies are also more likely to give birth before 37 weeks, their babies are more likely to have a low birth weight and they are more likely to give birth by caesarian section. The increased risk of early birth is because the cone biopsy weakens the cervix, which is really a muscle that keeps the entrance to the womb closed. If the cervix has been weakened, the weight of the baby pressing down on the cervix may cause it to open too soon and induce labour. This can be prevented by your doctor giving you a "running stitch" to hold it shut. Your doctor may be more technical and call it a purse string suture; the suture is cut before you go into labour, at around 37 weeks.

LLETZ stands for large loop excision of the transformation zone, and has roughly the same effects as cone biopsies i.e. early birth, low birth weight and increased caesarian sections. It is also more likely to rupture membranes. In a review it was revealed that the amount of cervical tissue removed had an impact on the risk of early birth etc. If the excision was more than 10mm deep then the risk for early birth increased. Laser therapy, cryotherapy and diathermy are unlikely to affect your fertility.

If you are already pregnant when the abnormal cells are discovered your doctor will not recommend a cone biopsy unless he or she suspects that there is cervical cancer. The biopsy could weaken the cervix and result in a miscarriage. You may, however, undergo a colposcopy. It's perfectly safe and won't affect your delivery, or your chances of falling pregnant again. Usually treatment for pre-cancerous cells is scheduled for after you've given birth, when you and the baby are out of danger.

When you actually have cancer and have to go for treatment your chances of infertility are increased as the treatment becomes more aggressive and invasive. Chemotherapy causes infertility although for some people the effects are only temporary. The permanence of chemo's infertility depends on the drugs used, the dosages, whether a combination of drugs is used as a combination is more likely to result in infertility, the age of the patient and the general health of the patient. If you are still young and have your heart set on having children it may be possible to choose a chemotherapy that will least affect your fertility, but it also depends on the circumstances.

Radiotherapy is given directly to the affected area, so it would be aimed directly at the pelvic area and cervix. This can obviously lead to infertility and is more likely to be permanent. The risk is increased with the strength of the dose and the increased age of the patient. Total body irradiation will usually cause permanent infertility and only a very rare few will go on to have children afterwards.

Surgery to remove cancer does not generally affect fertility, however in the case of cervical cancer where it might be necessary to have the womb or ovaries removed, infertility is an inevitable consequence. Some types of surgery to the cervix, vagina and vulva also result in infertility.

Cervical cancer is not a death sentence; in fact it is one of the most curable cancers around. It is ironic, however, in that for many women it does mean the end of life, or at least the end of the continuation of life, the end of progeny. For many women this in itself is a death sentence. They need support and love to help them through this very difficult time and to enable them to see that they still have so much to offer the world. A woman can be a whole woman on her own terms and she can decide those terms for herself. Sometimes all she needs is a little help to be able to see that.

Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Deadly Consequences

2010-12-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

Besides breast cancer, cervical cancer can be considered the next most prominent type of cancer. Most cancers are malignant, which means deadly. This particular one too, is malignant. Ever heard of pap smear tests? They have a lot to do with cervical cancer. But there is more on that later on.

Understanding the cancer is quite a quest. It is a kind of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix (near your hips area). The cervix is more accurately described as the lower portion of the uterus that connects the upper vagina to the uterus. 'Human papillomavirus' or 'HPV' is the virus responsible for this whole cervical issue. It is a common virus that infects about half of the population at some point of their lives. If the immune system does not clear up the infection, normal cells can begin to grow abnormally and turn into 'pre' cancerous lesions. This is how the cancer begins and works.

There are many causes and risk factors. 'HPV' can be sexually transmitted during intercourse. There are different strains of 'HPV' and some strains cause genital warts. While these genital warts do not lead to cervical cancer, other strains are considered "high risk" for cervical cancer by causing changes in the cells covering the cervix. However, it is worth nothing that not all women infected by 'HPV' will develop the cancer, as other factors will come into play such as smoking, medical illnesses that reduces immunity, early sexual activity in life (increases risk of sexually transmitted diseases), women who have multiple sex partners and lack of awareness of regular pap or cervical smart test. These other factors will cause cervical cancer too, not only 'HPV'

How Cervical Cancer Works and Why You Should Read This

2010-12-30T01:49:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of tissues near the cervix. Hence, its name is so. Listed and discussed in this article are the warning signs and screenings for cervical cancer. Be aware that cervical cancer is as dangerous as the popular and common breast cancer. Cervical cancer is mostly caused by sexual intercourse. It can be considered as a direct effect of sexually transmitted diseases.

Early cervical cancers are usually asymptomatic. This means that they do not present any symptoms as it takes years for the cancerous cells to grow. Infections and other health problems can also present similar symptoms. So, it is best to check with an obstetrician and gynaecologist to rule out any possible health issues and receive the appropriate treatment as early as possible.

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is bleeding from the vagina at times other than when you are having a period. You may have bleeding:

- Between periods

- After or during sex

- At any time if you are post-menopausal

- Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell

- Discomfort or pain during sex itself

Screenings like the cervical smear tests should be done annually. This should be noted as the risks of having sexual intercourse. In short, when you start having sexual intercourse, check yourself for these smear tests. What this cervical smear test does is screen for abnormalities of the cervix, often identifying abnormalities caused by the 'HPV' (a virus that causes cervical cancer). There are two types of smear tests. The first being the "glass side"; which is the most common and 'ThinPrep Pap Test'.

Note that post-menopausal women still need to undergo smear tests. However, pap tests are not designed to detect 'HPV' but can identify changes due to the 'HPV' infections. A separate test, the 'HPV' test can be used to test for 'HPV' virus itself.

Causes and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

2010-12-30T01:48:00.000-08:00

Cervical cancer attacks the cervix or cervical region caused by a viral infection of HPV (human papillomavirus) which did not recover in time. If the immune system decreases, the HPV infection will dangerous and can lead to cervical cancer.

The symptoms are not too visible at an early stage, that's why the beginning of cervical cancer HPV infection is considered as "The Silent Killer".

Some symptoms can be observed although not always an indication of HPV infection. Whitish or spend a bit of blood after intercourse is little sign of symptoms of this cancer. In addition, the foul-smelling yellowish fluid in the genital area can also be an indication of HPV infection. This virus can be transmitted from one patient to another and infect the person. Can be transmitted through direct contact and by sexual intercourse.

When there is this virus in a person's hand, then touching the genitals, the virus will move and can infect the cervical region or neck of your womb. Other modes of transmission are in the closet in a public toilet which has been contaminated by the virus. A cancer patient may use a closet, the HPV virus in patients who have moved into the closet. If you use it without cleaning it, it could be a virus and then switch to your genital area. Poor lifestyle a person can become supporting the increasing number of patients with this cancer. Smoking habits, consuming less vitamin C, vitamin E and folic acid may be the cause. If the consume nutritious foods will make the immune system can ward off increases and the HPV virus.

The risk of cervical cancer are women who have sex active since a very early age, which often change sex partners, or who have sex with men who like to switch pairs. Another factor is the use of oral contraceptives for long periods or was from families who have a history of cancer. Often, men who showed no symptoms of HPV infection that are spread to their partners. A man who had sex with a woman, who suffered from cervical cancer, will be the media of these virus carriers. Furthermore, when this man to have sex with his wife, the virus was able to move to his wife and to be infected.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

2010-12-28T23:02:00.001-08:00

Cervical cancer is one of the more insidious types of cancer because there may seem to be no symptoms of the disease or the symptoms may appear only once the disease has become well-established in the woman's body. This makes regular health checks all the more important and a Pap smear test on an annual basis essential for all women. Safety first is an excellent motto.

And another of the nasty aspects of cancer is that symptoms for other problems such as ovulation or pre-menstrual pains are common for many women. These pains may mask the symptoms of cervical cancer.

But while there may not be obvious symptoms, there are signs which suggest the disease is present. These signs include one or more of the following:

o Heavy or light vaginal bleeding during the month is a possible symptom of cervical cancer

o Pelvic pain which is not a part of the normal menstrual cycle pain. The pain can range from short, sharp suffering to a prolonged dull ache. The suffering can range in intensity from mild to severe.

o Pain when urinating. This in patients often means the cancer has spread to the bladder hence the distress when urinating.

o Abnormal vaginal discharge which take the form of a watery substance, mucus, which may be thick and/or smell foul. The type of discharge can vary widely because every woman and every cervical cancer is different.

o Bleeding at times in-between regular menstrual bleeding. This may occur after sexual intercourse, from douching or from a pelvic examination. A cervix which has cancer will be irritated by certain things such as those mentioned and will often bleed as a consequence of this activity.

It is important that any of the above symptoms are also found with other problems and do not mean that the woman concerned does in fact have cervical cancer. However, the point cannot be made strongly enough that there is a vital need to see a doctor as soon as possible should these symptoms appear. It is not unusual for a woman to experience a change in color of her urine, to find herself seriously fatigued seemingly without reason and to experience pain after sexual intercourse. While such symptoms are common for those diagnosed with cervical cancer, it is possible these symptoms are the result of non-cancerous problems.

Many women will talk about 'knowing their bodies'. They believe they have an innate sense of when something is wrong. Some women diagnosed with cervical cancer believe they felt something was wrong even before they were given the medical diagnosis.

So it is true there are many symptoms suggesting a woman has cervical cancer. But unfortunately it is possible to contract the disease and not have any obvious symptoms at all for some time. The best advice is to report to your doctor as soon as possible any abnormal pain, discharge or bleeding and to have a Pap test on a regular basis.