Dr.Manjunath NML, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, HCG Panda,Cancer Hospital, Cuttack.
Being diagnosed with cancer at any age is heart-wrenching, more if it affects a person at
a young age. Despite many medical advancements, it is still unclear why certain cancers
might occur in youngsters. Cervical cancer can be very risky if not diagnosed and
treated at an early stage.
Instances of cervical cancer in younger women are not a rare occurrence. Contrary to
the belief that women in middle age or post menopause are at higher risk, doctors, these
days are witnessing cervical cancer cases even among women in their 20s and 30s.
Before we learn what could pose a threat to cervical cancer, scroll down to know what
exactly this condition is and how it could affect a woman’s health.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is defined as the growth of cancer cells in the cervix, the lower part of
the uterus connecting to the vagina. Cervical cancer is often diagnosed in women
younger than 50 years. In most cases, various strains of sexually transmitted infection
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are a primary causative factor behind this cancer.
Types of Cervical Cancer:
The main types of cervical cancer are:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
When cancerous cells start growing in the thin, flat cells lining the outer part of the
cervix, it is known as Squamous Cell Carcinoma. - Adenocarcinoma:
The growth of cancer cells in epithelial cells lining the cervical canal is defined as
Adenocarcinoma.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately:
Thin and bloody vaginal discharge, with a foul smell
Vaginal bleeding even after menstruation and during menopause
Heavy menstrual periods than normal
Pain while urination, spotting of blood
Extreme tiredness and unintentional weight loss
Throbbing pain in the back, swelling in the legs
Sharp pain in abdominal and pelvic regions
Risk Factors That Trigger Cervical Cancer in Younger Women:
The causative factors behind Cervical Cancer are the same at any age. However, one
should be mindful of the following:
Human Papillomavirus:
Infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a chief risk factor for cervical
cancer. The virus is a common term for more than 150 virus strains. Few of these virus
strains that spread through human contact can cause warts on various parts of the
body, but certain types of HPV are strongly linked to cancers related to the cervix, vulva,
and vagina in women.
Sexually Active at Young Age:
Cervical cancer is often found among women who are sexually active, from a very young
age, even before turning 18. Multiple sexual partners also up the chances of cervical
cancer.
Smoking:
Smoking is often linked to lung cancer, but it can play equal responsible in ruining the
entire health. The carcinogens in cigarettes get absorbed through the lungs and
transported via the bloodstream throughout the body. Perpetual smoking increases the
risk by twice when compared to women who don’t smoke. Very often, the by-products
of tobacco are noticed in the cervical mucus of women with a habit of smoking.
Chlamydia Infection:
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that affects the female
reproductive system. Various studies established that women who earlier had this
infection and were not treated completely are prone to cervical cancer.
Pregnancy At Young Age:
Getting pregnant at a young age, even before turning 20 is often more susceptible to
cervical cancer than women who had their first pregnancy after 25 or older.
Prevention
Cervical cancer can be prevented by getting vaccinated against HPV. These vaccines are
recommended in adolescence for both girls and boys. In case of girls, the two doses of
this vaccine are given soon after attaining puberty. For older women, regular Pap smear
and blood tests help prevent cancer.
Other preventive measures include:
It is suggestible to avoid sexual intercourse until one turns 20 years or older
Practicing safer sex and avoiding multiple sexual partners
Avoiding sexual relationships with people infected with Sexually Transmitted
Diseases
Quitting smoking
Maintaining personal hygiene
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, do not delay contacting your doctor for
accurate diagnosis and treatment.
This article was shared with Prittle Prattle News as a Press Release.
