Cervical cancer is something that people feel embarrassed about while talking out, and due to this, people lack the information to take preventive measures. Cervical cancer is life-threatening and holds an ominous reputation primarily because of its silent progression nature in the early phase.

Cervical cancer is considered the fourth most common cancer in women. As per the WHO report, it was claimed that cervical cancer claimed the lives of around 311,000 women globally in 2018, with 570,000 new cases.

Dr Maria, an oncologist at Memorial Hospital, highlights this insidious aspect, stating, “Women may not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly, making it challenging to detect early.“

The Impact on Women’s Health:

Beyond its silent nature, cervical cancer’s impact on women’s health is profound and far-reaching. Dr. Sarah, a gynecologist specializing in cervical cancer, explains, “This disease not only affects physical health but also inflicts emotional and psychological distress on patients and their families.“

The worst part of this cancer is that it doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms like other cancer types in the initial phase and often develops asymptomatically. The signs and symptoms are only evident after reaching advanced stages.

Important Disclaimer

“The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medical treatment”.

What Makes Cervical Cancer a Silent Killer?

One of the key factors contributing to the silent progression of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer, with certain high-risk strains posing a heightened risk. Dr. Sarah Jones, a gynecologist specializing in cervical health, emphasizes, “HPV infection often goes unnoticed as it may not cause any symptoms. However, persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can lead to cellular changes in the cervix, eventually progressing to cervical cancer.”

So, we can say that the primary cause is HPV, a dangerous and life-threatening virus. HPV virus is mainly spread by sexual contact and holds the power to last for years, causing changes in cervical cells over time and ultimately leading to cancer.

Numerous sexual partners, beginning sexual activity at a young age, infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and chlamydia can also raise the risk, and smoking is linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer in addition to its adverse effects on the lungs.

What are the noticeable signs and symptoms of Cervical cancer?

When it comes to the symptoms of cervical cancer, it is essential to listen to your body because it can be a silent killer. At the early stage of cancer, the symptoms are negligible because the majority of HPV infections clear up on their own and don’t cause any significant symptoms. Due to persistent infections, it can lead to cancer in women.

Signs and symptoms don’t pop up significantly at the initial stage and remain a silent progression. However, notice consistent abdominal discharge, heavy prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain at the time of intercourse, or any unusual bleeding after that. It can be the early symptoms denoting the chances of cervical cancer. It is essential to be very attentive and, with the doctor, immaturely show immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Get a proper checkup to clear up the concerns.

Screening needs to be done regularly to detect any cancerous cause or symptoms.

​What are the risks and complications of cervical cancer?

 If you are lucky enough to detect the symptoms of cancer, you need to access immediate treatment and recovery procedures. However, treatment individually holds severe risks and complications. Each set of preventive therapies has a unique set of difficulties. Complications may arise with radiation or surgery and can lead to lymphoedema, early menopause, and more. At the advanced stage, it can cause excruciating pain, kidney failure, blood clots, and excessive discharge.

Prevention is better than cure!

It’s always preferable to prevent than to cure. India has implemented HPV vaccination programs aimed at adolescent girls, which is a significant step in preventing cervical cancer. This tremendous effort, which provides the vaccine to targeted teenage girls, acknowledges that preventing HPV infection is a crucial first step in preventing cervical cancer.

Up to 97% of early-stage cervical cancer cases will be cured with proper treatment if just 5% of these instances are found during screening. Our strategy must include both combating vaccine skepticism and expanding immunization efforts. The Indian healthcare system presents several obstacles in the fight against cervical cancer.

Significant obstacles include differences in healthcare access between regions, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of qualified healthcare workers. Underprivileged communities are being reached by mobile clinics, telemedicine, and community-based awareness programs, which are gradually breaking down barriers.

Even though cervical cancer is a silent killer, it doesn’t have to go unnoticed. India can significantly lessen the prevalence of this preventable disease by emphasizing education, early detection, screening, immunization, and bolstering the healthcare system.

Cervical cancer is all preventable at the right time — Prioritise screening to protect your health. Educate yourself, empower, and spread awareness as much as possible. Early detection is the key to opening the door to successful treatment and recovery.

“Spread awareness, save lives. Encourage your friends and family to prioritize cervical cancer screening and regular checkups.”

Copyright

©Dipika Singh. This article is the property of the site’s author. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dipika Singh (Gleefulblogger). With the right and specific direction to the original content.