Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is the cancer of the mouth of the uterus, called as cervix. It is one of the most common cancers occurring in females with breast cancer. In India it is cause of concern because of growing numbers.

In most of the cases there are no symptoms initially. But some common symptoms are bleeding between the periods or bleeding after intercourse.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of cervical cancer in 99% of cases. Other risk factors are:
1. Smoking
2. Use of long term contraceptive pill
3. Multiple pregnancies
4. Early sexual activity
5. Multiple sexual partners
6. Infected with STD/STI e.g., Chlamydia
7. HIV positive
8. Malnutrition/Immunosuppressant

1. VIA
2. Pap smear
3. HPV DNA

HPV DNA test is detects the virus genome.

There is a primary way to get protection from cervical cancer:
1. Vaccination against HPV
2. Adopt safe sex practices
3. Use condoms

• Early detection is protection from cervical cancer.
• Regular tests can ensure cervical cancer risk free.

It is because of two main reasons:

• there are no initial symptoms in cervical cancer and it is very late by the time symptoms start appearing.
• But if detected early then cancer is completely curable.