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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a malignancy of the cervix. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages, which has made cervical cancer the focus of intense screening efforts utilizing the Pap smear. Most scientific studies have found that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is responsible for virtually all cases of cervical cancer.

Risk Factors

• Human papillomavirus infection.
• Multiple sexual partners.
• Smoking
• Multiple pregnancies
• Have HIV

Symptoms

The early stages of cervical cancer may not have any symptoms. Vaginal bleeding or contact bleeding may indicate the presence of malignancy. Also, moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge are may be symptoms of cervical cancer.

Recommendations for how often a Pap smear should be done vary from once a year to once every five years. According to practice guidelines written by the ACS, recommendations for when to begin cervical cancer screening should begin approximately three years after the onset of vaginal intercourse and/or no later than twenty-one years of age. If cervical cancer is detected early, it can be treated without impairing fertility. Consistently abnormal smears may be a reason for further diagnosis despite complete absence of symptoms.

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