Cervical cancer is cell changes in the cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. This cancer can affect the deeper tissues of the cervix and spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), often the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.

Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina). Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.

It usually develops slowly over time with the initial appearance of abnormal cells in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.

RISK FACTORS

It's important to shed light on who is at risk. Essentially, any woman can be at risk for cervical cancer, particularly those over the age of 30.

The key risk factors include a history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is quite common and often transmitted sexually.

Other risk factors include;
Early Marriage
Being Sexually active at a younger age
Having multiple sexual partners
Poor genital hygiene
Smoking
Multiple pregnancies
Weakened immune system
Malnutrition
Prolonged use of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)

Signs and symptoms
Women with pre-cancer and early cervical cancers usually have no signs and symptoms. Signs & symptoms of CC appear only after the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

More severe symptoms may develop at advanced stages of CC. However, as the cancer progresses, symptoms can include;

• Irregular, inter-menstrual (between periods) bleeding.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse and a pelvic examination or bleeding after menopause.
• Vaginal discomfort or odorous discharge from the vagina, the discharge may contain some blood and may occur between periods or after menopause.
• Pain during sex
• Back, leg, or pelvic pain.
• Fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite.
• Swelling in one leg.

These symptoms can be easy to brush off, but they deserve attention and a chat with your healthcare provider.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

When it comes to cervical cancer, prevention, and early detection are the best defenses. However, there are medically advised steps to take to be on the safer side. They include;

• HPV vaccination: HPV vaccines cannot treat HPV infection or CC, but they prevent HPV infection & reduce the risk of CC in girls before the onset of sexual activity.
• Follow safer sexual practices by using condoms.
• Stop smoking.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.
• Delaying first sexual intercourse until the late teens or older.
• Avoiding sexual intercourse with people who are infected with genital warts or who show other symptoms
• Timely treatment of reproductive tract infections.
• Poor menstrual hygiene practices may lead to recurrent STI/ RTIs which may increase the risk of cervical cancer.
• Good menstrual hygiene practices like using sanitary napkins, their proper disposal, personal hygiene, and cleanliness may reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
• Regular Pap tests and HPV vaccinations are powerful tools in this fight: The Pap test can detect changes in your cervical cells before they turn into cancer, while the HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. It's also wise to practice safe sex and avoid smoking.

CONCLUSION

Awareness is key in the battle against cervical cancer. Understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms, and taking proactive steps for early detection can save lives.

It's about empowering yourself with knowledge and taking charge of your health. So, let's keep the conversation going, get those regular check-ups, and spread the word. Your health is worth it.