Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in women worldwide. It occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. Here are five facts you need to know about cervical cancer:
1. Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). You can contract HPV by having sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. A Pap test can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer.
2. If you are aged 26 or below, you can get the HPV vaccine, which protects against two types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
3. Symptoms you should look out for include; bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause, pain in the lower belly or pelvis, pain during sex, and vaginal discharge that isn’t normal.
4. If detected early, cervical cancer is a condition that can successfully be treated. Depending on how much the cancer has grown, you may have to undergo one or more treatments, or a combination of treatments. If you have a hysterectomy, you won’t be able to have children.
5. Women who smoke cigarettes or breathe in secondhand smoke have a higher risk for cervical cell changes that can lead to and result in cervical cancer.
We can mitigate the deaths caused by cancer if we take simple precautions like getting regular pap tests and looking after our health. Find out about where you can get screening in your local areas today. You can visit
Free Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Fridays for information on screening in Lagos and visit your local health centre or doctor for more information on how to get tested today.
