desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : More than 120,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in India. It is the third most common cancer among women. Approximately 70,000 to 75,000 women die from this disease each year, accounting for approximately one-third of all cervical cancer deaths worldwide
This cancer can be prevented if detected early, but the most dangerous thing is that its early symptoms often go unnoticed. This leads to delays in its detection and prevention. In this article, we're highlighting the signs and causes that can help alert you in time.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that occurs in the lower part of a woman's uterus, the cervix. This is the part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina.
When cells in this area begin to grow abnormally and the body loses control, it's called cervical cancer. The most common cause is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, although other factors are also possible.
HPV infection is the most common cause
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the main causes of cervical cancer. This virus is spread through sexual intercourse. HPV is believed to be responsible for approximately 80 percent of cervical cancer cases.
There are many types of HPV, but type 16 and type 18 are considered the most dangerous, because they can cause cancer in the future.
HPV infection is common, but when does the risk increase?
It's important to know that HPV isn't a rare virus. Most women are infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Fortunately, in most cases, the body's immune system eliminates the virus on its own.
The problem arises when the virus persists in the body for a long time. In such cases, the risk of cervical cancer increases.
Why does having multiple sexual partners increase the risk?
If a woman has more sexual partners, her risk of cervical cancer increases because she is more likely to contract HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The virus spreads easily from one person to another through unprotected sex and frequent partner changes. HPV is one such virus, which can cause cancer if it remains in the body for a long time.
Smoking also increases the risk
Smoking is often associated only with lung cancer, but its effects go beyond that. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes weaken the body's immune system. When immunity is weakened, the body is unable to eliminate viruses like HPV. This gradually increases the risk of cervical cancer.
Repeated pregnancies are also a risk factor
If a woman has had multiple pregnancies, her risk of cervical cancer may increase. This risk is particularly high in women who conceived at a young age.
long-term use of birth control pills
Some research suggests that women who take birth control pills for five years or more may have a slightly increased risk of cervical cancer. The hormones in these pills affect the body's hormonal balance, which can impact the cells of the cervix.
--Advertisement--
