2023-10-30 17:25:30
The Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen or even lower back pain are some symptoms that can indicate cervical cancer. Here are 5 questions to find out about the disease and protect yourself.
Cervical cancer results from persistent infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. Around 80% of sexually active people have already been exposed to it at least once in their lives. Many HPV infections last only a short time, but some people can be infected more than once, and some HPV infections last for years.
What is human papilloma virus?
Highly contagious, HPV affects both men and women through simple contact. Unlike other sexually transmitted infections, it is transmitted from the first touches, even without penetration. The condom does not protect against it, because the very small virus can pass through its pores.
In men, this viral infection manifests itself by the appearance of warts comparable to cockscombs on the penis. These same manifestations can appear in women but with a greater risk of cancer in the long term.
What are the risk factors?
Several factors can promote the occurrence of cervical cancer. But Human Papillomavirus infection is the first of these risk factors. A person infected with the papilloma virus can take 15 to 20 years to develop cervical cancer if his immune system is normal. In this case, women with a weakened immune system will only take 5 to 10 years to develop the virus.
Early sexual activity, smoking, multiple births, history of sexual infections are some others cervical cancer risk factors
What are the warning signs?
Cervical cancer usually has no signs in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms appear after the tumor has grown into nearby tissues and organs. Women are therefore advised to pay attention to any unusual manifestations in the genital area.
Generally, cervical cancer makes headlines through the following manifestations:
bleeding outside of periods, pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal bleeding during intimate hygiene, smelly vaginal discharge, unusually long periods, pain in the pelvic region or lower back, etc.
Screening: when and how?
All people of childbearing age should be screened for cervical cancer. This is a technique for searching for possible precancerous lesions (colposcopy). In Benin, this type of screening is done at a lower cost in almost all maternity wards and free of charge at the CHU-MEL in Cotonou (former Maternity Lagune).
From the age of 50, cervical smears are recommended every two years. This examination allows cells to be taken from the cervix for analysis. Thanks to this test, cervical cancer can be prevented in 9 out of 10 cases.
How to prevent disease?
To date, vaccination is the only effective means of combating cervical cancer. It is recommended that young girls aged 11 to 14 and even up to 19 years old be vaccinated against the human papilloma virus. For several years, the recommendation has also applied to boys aged 11 to 14 with possible catch-up until the age of 19. WHO also draws attention to the screening and treatment of precancerous lesions which are an effective and cost-effective way to prevent cervical cancer.
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