Fear or Fact? Cervical Cancer and the HPV Vaccine

By Angela Perin

Unless you've been living in isolation for the past 1 - 2 years, you would have found it almost impossible to avoid hearing about the risk of cervical cancer, and the two new HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) that have now been introduced as a prevention strategy against this disease.

In a revolutionary age where media campaigning has tremendous power and potential to infiltrate thinking and ideas on national and global scales, distinguishing fact from emotion becomes a confronting, yet subtle dilemma.

The platform for the introduction of these 2 new HPV vaccines onto the worldwide market has been on the basis of the threat and risk of cervical cancer, and has presented the same dilemma to potential recipients of these vaccines.

The problem is, although facts are a far more logical basis on which to make such a decision, emotion is often a far more powerful motivator for action or compliance in situations where health is the prime factor. And in this situation, the fear of cervical cancer has formed a very solid basis for the HPV vaccine campaigns.

There's certainly no question that cervical cancer disease 'can'' and 'does' have serious (sometimes fatal) outcomes. However equally so, 'any''medical procedure, artificial drug, pharmaceutical product or vaccine by its very nature also carries with it varying degrees of risk - both temporary and permanent. This includes the HPV vaccines.

The unfortunate truth is that the bulk of media campaigning and information disseminated to the public has avoided, disguised or cleverly side-stepped pointing out the facts and health risks associated with the actual vaccines, which to date have included (but are not limited to): loss of consciousness, paralysis, Guillain Barre Syndrome, hospitalisation, permanent disability and death.

The questions any female or parent (of daughters) considering this vaccine needs to ask themselves are these:

* 'Is' cervical cancer as widespread and as serious a health risk as portrayed in media campaigns and by our health authorities?
* Is it merely coincidence that solid media campaigns against cervical cancer disease have been hand-in-hand with the introduction of these vaccines?
* Have all the facts regarding all the risks of both the disease and the vaccine been accurately revealed?

The challenge for any potential recipient, is in identifying the true facts about the risk of cervical cancer versus the associated risks and benefits of the vaccine. Unfortunately, many recipients of these vaccines have based their decision on limited information provided in media campaigning that has ignored 'all' the facts - resulting in decisions made on emotion rather than sound logical judgment.

Tragically in many cases, the associated health risks of the vaccine has resulted in more devastating and irreversible outcomes than an actual cervical cancer diagnosis. As challenging as it might be, you owe it to yourself to research the facts before deciding whether or not these vaccines are of benefit, and whether these benefits outweigh any potential risks.

By basing your decision on fact, not fear, - your decision will be an informed one, and the one that's right for you in your individual situation. Whatever you decide, make it an informed one.[source]

Information About Cervical Cancer

By Bardnurz Sham

When cells in an area of body grow abnormally, cancer can develop. Cervical cancer is abnormal cell growth in the cervix. The cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus (the womb). Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening. It begins when women becomes infected with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If the immune system does not clear the infection, normal cells can begin to grow abnormally and turn into precancerous lesions. If not discovered early and treated, this abnormal cell growth can become cancer. Most often this can take a number of years, although in rare cases it can happen within a year.

Women who have been infected with certain types of HPV and have not been to clear the virus can get cervical cancer and pre-cancer. About half of all females diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old. Many of these women were most likely exposed to cancer causing HPV type during their teens and 20's. Most of the women who get cervical cancer may have never had a Pap test.

HPV is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are more than 100 types of the virus. Most types of HPV do not cause any symptoms, are harmless and are cleared. About 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could turn into cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts and benign (noncancerous) changes in the cervix. HPV has also been linked to other rare disease including vaginal and vulvar cancer, as well as RRP (recurrent respiratory papillomatosis), a disease of the throat that makes breathing difficult. Because people who have HPV may not show any sign or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it. Anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV, even if there is no sexual intercourse.

Because HPV usually has no sign or symptoms, most people infected with HPV don't know they have it. Most HPV infections are first discovered as a result of abnormal Pap test. A Pap test is part of a gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become pre-cancer or cervical cancer. Many cervical pre-cancers (changes that could lead to cancer) are related to HPV and can be treated successfully if detected early. That's why early detection is so important.[source]

Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Deadly Consequences

By Alfred Chai Wei Liang

Besides breast cancer, cervical cancer can be considered the next most prominent type of cancer. Most cancers are malignant, which means deadly. This particular one too, is malignant. Ever heard of pap smear tests? They have a lot to do with cervical cancer. But there is more on that later on.

Understanding the cancer is quite a quest. It is a kind of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix (near your hips area). The cervix is more accurately described as the lower portion of the uterus that connects the upper vagina to the uterus. 'Human papillomavirus' or 'HPV' is the virus responsible for this whole cervical issue. It is a common virus that infects about half of the population at some point of their lives. If the immune system does not clear up the infection, normal cells can begin to grow abnormally and turn into 'pre' cancerous lesions. This is how the cancer begins and works.

There are many causes and risk factors. 'HPV' can be sexually transmitted during intercourse. There are different strains of 'HPV' and some strains cause genital warts. While these genital warts do not lead to cervical cancer, other strains are considered "high risk" for cervical cancer by causing changes in the cells covering the cervix. However, it is worth nothing that not all women infected by 'HPV' will develop the cancer, as other factors will come into play such as smoking, medical illnesses that reduces immunity, early sexual activity in life (increases risk of sexually transmitted diseases), women who have multiple sex partners and lack of awareness of regular pap or cervical smart test. These other factors will cause cervical cancer too, not only 'HPV'.[source]

How Cervical Cancer Works and Why You Should Read This

By Alfred Chai Wei Liang

Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of tissues near the cervix. Hence, its name is so. Listed and discussed in this article are the warning signs and screenings for cervical cancer. Be aware that cervical cancer is as dangerous as the popular and common breast cancer. Cervical cancer is mostly caused by sexual intercourse. It can be considered as a direct effect of sexually transmitted diseases.

Early cervical cancers are usually asymptomatic. This means that they do not present any symptoms as it takes years for the cancerous cells to grow. Infections and other health problems can also present similar symptoms. So, it is best to check with an obstetrician and gynaecologist to rule out any possible health issues and receive the appropriate treatment as early as possible.

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is bleeding from the vagina at times other than when you are having a period. You may have bleeding:

- Between periods

- After or during sex

- At any time if you are post-menopausal

- Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell

- Discomfort or pain during sex itself

Screenings like the cervical smear tests should be done annually. This should be noted as the risks of having sexual intercourse. In short, when you start having sexual intercourse, check yourself for these smear tests. What this cervical smear test does is screen for abnormalities of the cervix, often identifying abnormalities caused by the 'HPV' (a virus that causes cervical cancer). There are two types of smear tests. The first being the "glass side"; which is the most common and 'ThinPrep Pap Test'.

Note that post-menopausal women still need to undergo smear tests. However, pap tests are not designed to detect 'HPV' but can identify changes due to the 'HPV' infections. A separate test, the 'HPV' test can be used to test for 'HPV' virus itself.[source]

Controversy About the Vaccine Against HPV (Genital Warts) And Cervical Cancer

By Dr Tom Bennett and James Patton

There is much excitement in the scientific and medical community about the development of a vaccine against the virus that is the cause of cervical cancer. This vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV), also known as genital warts, is also believed by many in the medical and scientific community to prevent future cervical cancer. While the vaccine is very effective against the virus associated with causing cervical cancer, long term studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. It's one thing for parents to be aware the vaccination is being administered to guard against genital wart infection transmitted during sexual activity and is likely to reduce risk of cervical cancer. It's quite another to be told the vaccination is certain to guard against cervical cancer later in life. It's important to have the background information to make an informed decision about this vaccination.

The Journal of the American Medical Association presents follow up information on the risks of the vaccine against HPV(1). There is also a special communication(2) that discusses concerns about the way this vaccine was presented to the public by the manufacturer and professional medical associations.

The review of complications associated with the vaccine indicates that there may have been an increased risk of blood clots in the veins and fainting episodes. All other side effects, including 32 deaths after the vaccine, were considered to be consistent with what would happen to the general population without having received the vaccine.

Some of the issues discussed regarding the vaccine and its marketing and presentation were several fold:

* The vaccine is, thus far, believed to be safe and effective in preventing infection with the virus that is implicated in the development of cervical cancer.
* The vaccine was marketed by the manufacturer and professional medical associations as a vaccine to guard against cervical cancer as opposed to the primary target of HPV.
* There are no long term studies to confirm effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer.
* The vaccine was not directed to the highest risk population, where it would do the most good.
* Cervical cancer can be screened for effectively by Pap smears which can also prevent this disease.

One author also presented concern about the role of professional medical associations in promoting the vaccine due to their being supported by the manufacturer and possibly being influenced by this. The final editorial comment concludes with the following statement. "When weighing evidence about risks and benefits, it is also appropriate to ask who takes the risk, and who gets the benefit. Patients and the public logically expect that only medical and scientific evidence is put on the balance. If other matters weigh in, such as profit for a company or financial or professional gains for physicians or groups of physicians, the balance is easily skewed. The balance will also tilt if the adverse events are not calculated correctly." (3)

The decision to vaccinate or not vaccinate should be made with full informed consent between the patient or their guardian and their provider.

1. Postlicensure Safety Surveillance for Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine: Barbara A. Slade; Laura Leidel; Claudia Vellozzi; Emily Jane Woo; Wei Hua; Andrea Sutherland; Hector S. Izurieta; Robert Ball; Nancy Miller; M. Miles Braun; Lauri E. Markowitz; John Iskander: JAMA. 2009; 302(7):750-757.
2. Marketing HPV Vaccine: Implications for Adolescent Health and Medical Professionalism: Sheila M. Rothman; David J. Rothman: JAMA. 2009; 302(7):781-786
3. The Risks and Benefits of HPV Vaccination: Charlotte Haug: JAMA. 2009; 302(7):795-796.


All content on the Health Care Village website is for informational purposes only. We believe that the provider/patient relationship is to be respected. The content on this site should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. Always seek professional medical advice regarding any medical condition. The information on this site is to be used to enhance communication with your provider. Do not delay treatment or disregard or refuse diagnostic tests or treatments based on information on this site. Reliance on any content in this website for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis is solely at your own risk. In case of concern for medical emergency, contact your provider or 911 immediately.[source]

Health Insurance That Covers Cervical Cancer

By Carlos Diez

Cervical Cancer is the third most common cancer of the female reproductive system. It's classified as either pre-invasive or invasive. Pre-invasive cancer ranges from minimal cervical dysplasia, in which the lower third of the epithelium contains abnormal cells, to carcinoma in situ, in which the full thickness of epithelium contains abnormally proliferating cells. If left untreated in may progress to invasive cervical cancer, depending on the form. In invasive disease, cancer cells penetrate the basement membrane and can spread directly to contiguous pelvic structures or disseminate to distant sites by way of lymphatic routes. In most cases the histological type is squamous cell carcinoma, which varies from well differentiated cells to highly anaplastic spindle cells.

When covered under a managed care health insurance plan certain preventative treatment may be tested for to detect and terminate the progression of cancer if treated early. Such testing may include certain diagnostic procedures such as a Papanicolaou test more commonly known as a Pap smear to identify abnormal cells, and a colposcopy which determines the source of abnormal cells evidenced on the Pap test. There is also the Cone biopsy which is performed if endocervical curettage is positive. Another useful test is known as the Vira/Pap test which is used to permit examination of the specimens deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) structure to detect Human Papiloma Virus a predicator to cancer cells. Additional studies such as a lymphangiography, cystography, and major organ and bone scans, can detect metastasis.

But What Do You Do If You Have No Insurance And Have Cervical Cancer?

There are a few organizations that can help or provide financial assistance if you have been diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. First try contacting the American Cancer Society a non profit enterprise funded through donor volunteer groups. Second try contacting The Angel Network a private equity fund sponsored by Oprah Winfrey dedicated to assisting individuals diagnosed with the debilitating disease. Finally there are some insurance companies that will provide health insurance, however there is usually a limited open enrollment period for acceptance of an application.

We Can Help.

If you are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer you will need financial assistance to compensate the medical facilities for a multitude of expenses. Acute clinical staging will determine the type of treatment. Pre-invasive lesions may be treated with total excisional biopsy, cryosurgery, laser destruction, conization and sometimes even a hysterectomy costing thousands. Therapy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma may include radical hysterectomy and radiation therapy requiring additional out of pocket expenditures. Pelvic exenteration might also be performed for recurrent cervical cancer.

Complications of the surgery itself can run up more charges because of bladder dysfunction, formation of lymphocytes or seromas after lymphadenctomy, and pulmonary embolism. Other possible complications to be considered in cost are the radiation therapy itself. When it is all said and done the cost of treating a single case of localized (early stage) cervical cancer can average anywhere from $25,000.00 to $35,000.00 dollars and while the cost of treating a single case of distant (later stage) cervical cancer can range anywhere from $40,000.00 to $50,000.00 dollars so you will definitely need help.[source]

How Human Papilloma Virus Can Cause Cervical Cancer

By Shawn Chris Michaels

If you study broadly and deeply you will come to know that Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is very dangerous virus and it is a combined form of over 100 different types of HPVs. These viruses are also called papillomaviruses because these viruses can enhance the occurrence of genital warts or papillomas which are considered to be benign or non cancerous tumors. However according to the health consultants, HPVs which boost up the occurrence of the common type warts are totally different from the warts that are found in the genitals.

The high risk cancer is also called Oncogenic cancer. Mainly it is seen that HPV attacks the body via sexual intercourse. The HPV infected patients will infect you if you have the physical attachment with her. So far as the Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer is concerned, it is found that HPV has the major role to play to cause the Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer.

In 2007, it was calculated that approximately 11,000 female partners in America alone were diagnosed with the Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer and it was also estimated that 4000 would face the death due to the severest form of Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer. According to the healthcare consultants, the HPV also enhances the chance of the occurrence of the cancer in the certain areas of vulva, anus, vagina and penis.

HPV infection will speed up the occurrence of oropharyngeal cancer which attacks the oropharynx which is located in the center or middle portion of throat and soft palate. HPV will surely instigates the possibility of the spread of the cervical cancer and if you are female, you need to take the special measures to safeguard your body from the cervical cancer.

It will be better for you to go to the doctors for the complete checkup. The doctors will prescribe the good medication and apply other treatment procedures for the betterment of the health of the body. If there is massive cell change, you will run through the high risk zone and you must opt for the good protection from Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer.

There are other causes which develop the causes of the cervical cancer like excessive smoking and the tendency to have many kids within short span of time. if you have more than couple of partners, you will expect the fear of being attacked by HPV disease. Therefore please take appropriate measures for the good protection of your body from the HPV virus attack.[source]

What Are the Options on Cervical Cancer Treatment?

By Lester Lee

The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that leads to the vagina or birth canal. Like many organs in the body, the cervix can develop cancer. Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, dysphasia happens. Dysphasia is where the cells of the cervix go through changes and the cells that are not normal appear in the cervical tissue. When this happens, cancer starts to spread around the cervix and to other surrounding areas. Since the cervix is an important organ in the female body, it is important for us to know what are the options available on cervical cancer treatment.

Cervical cancer is often treated by a hysterectomy where the entire uterus and part of the vagina is removed surgically. If the cancer in the cervix is at an advanced stages, lymph nodes may also need to be removed. However, since many patients want to remain fertile, other more gentle cervical cancer treatment methods need to be considered. One of such gentle treatment is the loop electrosurgical excision procedure or LEEP.

There are many advantages to a LEEP, which include low cost, a high success rate, ease of use and often only requires the use of a local anesthetic. Another such surgical procedure is the cone biopsy. In a cone biopsy, only a cone shapes sample is removed from the mucous membrane. Radiation therapy is given as external beam radiotherapy to the pelvis and internally as brachytherapy. However if the cone biopsy does not produce much positive results, there is another procedure called a trachelectomy. With a trachelectomy, the doctors will try to remove only the cancer while keeping the uterus and ovaries intact. This treatment option is particularly ideal in condition whereby the cervical cancer has not spread to other areas inside the uterus. The limitation with this treatment method is that there are only a few specialists available who are qualified and skilled enough to perform this delicate procedure. Radiation therapy is another treatment option. Radiation therapy is administered as external beam radiotherapy to the pelvis and internally as brachytherapy. However, when dealing with cervical cancer, the biggest issue besides survival is the ability to have children in the future.

It is important to explore all the treatment options available for cervical cancer and to discuss with your doctor, friends, family and husband on the best cancer treatment for you. Do get a second expert's opinion before proceeding with any cervical cancer treatment involving surgery.[source]

What is Cervical Cancer?

By Dylan Vincent

Do you know much about cervical cancer? Have you ever thought that you might be at risk? Well, you are not alone in your thinking. Women around the world do not realise that they are at risk. The facts are that cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged between 15 and 44 years. In the UK, alone, there are about 2800 new cases of cervical cancer every year and about 1100 deaths; this means that on average 21 women die each week from cervical cancer, yearly. Getting educated, finding more information and ensuring your personal health is your responsibility, make sure you take care and use the information provided to you to maintain a healthy body and a healthy life.

These shocking statistics and facts will show that many people are ignorant to cervical cancer; if more was known about this common, lethal disease the statistics would not be so shocking. This is because cervical cancer is treatable if caught early. Prevention is the best method to ensure this cancer never affects you; regular cervical screening and early detection are the best preventative methods. You may wonder why regular screening is necessary: the fact is that a virus called human papillomavirus nearly always causes cervical cancer, and most women will be exposed to this virus in their life. Another shocking statistic is that up to 80% of sexually active women will have an infection in their lifetime. Most of these infections are cleared and fought by the body's immune system, and you will not notice any symptoms.

Looking at the facts, and taking into consideration that up to 80% of sexually active women are at risk, all women should take precautionary measures to ensure optimum health. Preventative measures are simple: getting expert advice from your doctor or local family planning centre will help you take the first steps to prevention of cervical cancer. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor will inform you how often you need to have a smear test (cervical screening test).

If you think that you are not at risk, because you use a condom, the facts remain that condoms will not always protect you from picking up the human papillomavirus. Women can have been exposed to the virus many years before the virus creates abnormal cells, leading to cervical cancer. We recommend that you do not risk your health and your life by taking risky chances. There are many good websites on the internet, where you can find more information, or you can talk to your health-provider. Make sure you do not become a statistic, educate yourself about cervical cancer and live a long and healthy life.[source]

Cervical Cancer - Causes and Treatment

By Ken Soh

Cervical cancer is a malignancy that develops in the lining of the cervix. It can take many years for it to develop, but during this development stage, the cell structure of the lining wall will display abnormal changes. These abnormal changes occur internally in the body and do not present any outward symptoms compared to other forms of cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer and the main cause of cancer deaths in women after breast cancer. The main cause of the disease is the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), meaning that this is a preventable form of cancer.

How to detect cervical cancer

Pap smear screening can detect potentially precancerous changes. Therefore regular tests are important and are recommended. The introduction of Pap smears as screening tools about 50 years ago has significantly reduced the number of deaths due to this type of cancer.

Possible causes

While it may not be possible to pinpoint with accuracy the causes of cervical cancer, the following are possible risk factors:

* Having several sexual partners
* Consuming oral contraceptives (the Pill)
* Smoking: Women smokers are more than 10 times likely to get cervical cancer than women who do not smoke
* A weak immune system

Treatment

Preventing the disease in the first place is crucial. There are now vaccines available that target several strains of HPV to prevent the infection. Once diagnosed, treatment for cervical cancer differs according to stage, age and tumor size. The options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or a combination of all three.

Pap smear

A Pap smear involves the removal of tissue cells from the cervix. These tissues are then examined under the microscope for changes that might determine cancer or precancerous states. Since a Pap smear can identify both cancerous as well as precancerous states of cervical cells, it is important for women who are sexually active to do a Pap smear annually.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a first Pap test within three years of having sexual activity or by age 21, followed by a Pap test every 1-2 years after that. An annual Pap test is also recommended if you have risk factors for cervical cancer.[source]

HPV and Cervical Cancer - Stop it Before It's Too Late!

By Kelly Purden

HPV and cervical cancer have long been linked, and this article shows you just how. This article also tells you how you can stop HPV and cervical cancer before it's too late and the consequences of ignorance and irresponsibility become irrevocable.

HPV, which stands for human papillovirus, is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world today. It is composed of a family of more than one different viruses that can attack various parts of the body. There are some strains of HPV that cause the development of warts on the hands, feet, and other human body parts. Other strains - the most usual ones - appear on the genital area, including the penis, scrotum, anus, rectum, vulva, vagina, and cervix.

Over the years, the connection between HPV and cervical cancer has been explored thoroughly by scientists, and they found out that indeed, the two diseases are associated. Today, 76% of the women in the United States of America who are part of the 24 million Americans infected with HPV are ignorant of the said STD, which is a sad fact considering that HPV is the cause of virtually 100% of all known cervical cancers.

There are over 60 types of HPV. Clinical infections (or those that manifest symptoms such as visible genital warts) occur in only 1% of the infected population; sub-clinical infections (or those that do not manifest symptoms) occur in the rest. Scientists have discovered that the viral strains which cause genital warts have nothing to do with increased risks in cervical cancer or any other kind of cancer, for that matter. However, the viral strains which do not cause genital warts, which are greater in number, are responsible for the growth of cervical cancers, tying HPV and cervical cancer together.

In order to fight HPV and cervical cancer, it is important to get tested for HPV first. HPV viruses may be detected during a woman's annual GYN examination. It is advised that women who are diagnosed with HPV have regular pap smears. It must be noted that pap smears are not specifically designed to detect the existence of HPV, but they do indicate abnormal cervical changes, which in turn may indicate an HPV infection or some other vaginal infection. Doctors usually issue an order for a follow-up screening procedure, such as a biopsy or a colposcopy. These procedures can follow the women's condition more closely, allowing detection of further cervical changes after pap smear results come out.

Cervical dysplasia, which pap smear results of women with HPV may indicate, is considered by many doctors as a precursor condition for invasive cancer in the cervix. This ties HPV and cervical cancer even closer. A number of dysplasia cases regress over time, but the factors that contribute to the progression of the dysplasia into cervical cancer remain unknown to this date.

The best and only way to steer clear of both HPV and cervical cancer is to visit the doctor, have yourself tested for any strain of HPV, and undergo treatment right away if viruses are detected.

15 million people contract STD's every single year. Are you one of the 1 in 4 people walking around with an STD and you don't even know it? We can help you identify if you have contracted one as well as the best HPV and Cervical Cancer treatments.[source]

Circumcision And Cervical Cancer

By Sharon A Bell

The bad news about cervical cancer is that it is one of the most common cancers affecting the female reproductive organs. But cheer up! It's a slow-growing cancer and 100 percent curable if detected early.

Cervical cancer usually affects women between 30 and 55 years old. The National Cancer Institute said there are over 11,000 cases discovered every year.

Who gets cervical cancer? Naturally, any woman with a cervix is prone to the disease, but there are certain risk factors to consider. Sexual promiscuity is one of them.

Women who begin having sex before age 18 are more likely to get the disease. The cervix simply can't stand numerous penile thrusts from different men who may carry a variety of infections. These include the papilloma virus (which is responsible for warts), genital herpes, the chlamydia organism, and other cancer-causing agents.

It you have had many pregnancies which started at a tender age, that puts you at risk for cervical cancer as well. On a positive side, women who use barrier methods of contraception, namely, the cervical cap, diaphragm, or let their partners wear a condom, which in all cases protect the cervix, have a lower cancer rate.

For some reason, smoking affects the cervix and the nicotine buildup in that organ can trigger the disease. Passive smokers face the same risk. So stop smoking now and avoid those who do. A diet rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and folacin is believed to be protective against cervical cancer. So it's probably wise to eat your veggies.

Circumcision was once thought to protect women from cervical cancer but we now know that this is not true. This painful procedure has no medical benefit and should be discouraged except in special cases.

There are usually no symptoms in the early stage of the disease. Warning signals include bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between periods or after menopause. In some, there is a watery, bloody discharge from the vagina. A dull backache may be felt later.

With early detection, cervical cancer is highly curable provided it has not spread beyond the uterus. A yearly pelvic exam and a routine Pap test can save you a lot of trouble.

Since the 1940s, the Pap smear has reduced cervical cancer death rates by 70 percent. Today, only about three percent of women die from the disease thanks to this valuable test.

"A Pap smear is the best screening procedure for cervical cancer. It can detect early lesions as well as pre-malignant lesions of the cervix. Aside from that, a Pap smear can also detect infection," according to Dr. Rey de los Reyes, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the United Doctors Medical Center in the Philippines.

The Pap smear is named after Dr. G.N. Papanicolaou who developed it. In this test, the doctor gathers cell samples from the surface of the cervix by means of scraping it with a wooden spatula, brush, or cotton swab. The cell samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.

"A negative result means that your cervix is normal; positive result indicates some abnormal cells. A positive result does not prove that you have cancer or even dysplasia, a precancerous condition, but it usually does mean you should have further evaluation, such as colposcopic examination and biopsy,'' said Dr. David E. Larson, editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book."

A colposcope is an instrument with a magnifying lens which helps the physician examine the cervix. While doing so, he removes a bit of the cervix (biopsy) for analysis.

"Once you have a suspicious lesion on the cervix that should be biopsied. Since some lesions of the cervix and even an infection can look like cervical cancer, a biopsy can accurately detect the disease," De los Reyes said. (Next: When should you have a Pap test?)

To strengthen your body, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system.[source]

HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer

By Shazan Chughtai

In the UK, one thousand women die each year from cervical cancer. The good news is that this statistic may see a decrease with the introduction of the HPV vaccine. Despite how the tragic death of Jade Goody last year raised awareness about cervical cancer, there is a large amount of misinformation regarding cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines. Because the HPV vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical pre-cancer, they may have the potential to save millions of lives around the world.

What is HPV, and why is it important?

There are thought to be over 200 strains of the human papilloma virus, of which 30 to 40 strains are thought to infect the human genitalia. The HPV is the most common of all of the sexually transmitted infections. It is transmitted by oral, anal and genital sex. In most cases, the body is able to clear the infection within approximately 1-2 years. In some people, however, the virus is not cleared by their immune system. In these cases, particular strains of HPV may go on to cause warts and genital cancer.

Research has also shown that particular HPV strains are directly responsible for various cancers. In particular 2 strains, 16 and 18, are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers. We now have two vaccines available which have been shown to provide immunity to these cancer-causing strains and preventing pre-cancerous damage.

Can I get tested for HPV?

There are tests available to indicate whether an individual has been infected with HPV and to identify which particular strains have been introduced into the body. Unfortunately, these tests are not available on the NHS; typically, they are only available in the private sector.

How does the vaccine work?

There are currently two vaccines used to treat HPV: Gardasil®and Cervarix®. Both provide immunity to cervical cancer causing strains 16 and 18. In addition to those two strains, Gardasil®also provides protection against strains 6 and 11, which are known to be responsible for genital warts.

The vaccines work by introducing small bits (antigens) of the particular cancer causing strains in to the immune system. It is important to realise that these small "bits" cannot cause the HPV infection. In most people, the immune system will react to these "bits" and create a memory of these particular HPV strains. In the future, should the body be infected by one of these strains, the immune system will recognise them immediately. The body's immune system will then mount a swift response, clearing the virus, and hopefully preventing it from remaining in the body where it can fester and damage cells, causing cervical pre cancer.

To build adequate immunity, the vaccination program involves having three jabs. After the first injection, the second injection is taken one month later. The third injection is administered four months after the initial injection for Gardasil®and 6 months after the initial injection for Cervarix®.

Is the vaccine safe?

Neither of the vaccines contains the actual virus. Studies on both vaccines have shown that the most common side effect was pain and swelling at the site of injection, much like with most childhood vaccines. Between 1-10% of Gardasil®vaccine recipients suffered bruising and itching at the site of injections and developed a raised temperature. Between 1-10% of Cervarix®recipients suffered diarrhea, muscle and joint pains.

Both vaccines are not recommended for women who are pregnant. With regards to breastfeeding, GaradsilÒ was shown to be safe, though we have no similar data for Cervarix®.

The UK national vaccination program began in September 2008 using the Cervarix®vaccine. Since that time, there has been nothing to indicate that the vaccination is harmful in any way, which would require the program to be terminated.

Who can have the vaccine?

Trial data shows that the vaccination is not effective in women who have already been exposed the strains 16 and 18. As HPV is sexually transmitted, it is ideal to vaccinate people before they become sexually active.

As both sexes transmit the virus, both can be vaccinated. However, it is believed to be more cost effective to vaccinate females only. The thought process behind this is that if enough females are vaccinated, then there should be no real need to vaccinate males.

Currently, the NHS vaccination program is aimed at young girls aged between 12-13, though a catch up program will offer 17 year olds the vaccination. The vaccination is also available privately from Care Quality Commission (link) registered clinics.

How long will the vaccine protect me?

Current published research shows that protection against HPV infection and cervical pre cancerous change lasts at least five years. It will be several years more before we find out if it lasts even longer. It has yet to be determined whether a booster vaccination will be required and how well the vaccine works at reducing the number of new cases of cervical cancer.

Where can I get the vaccine?

The vaccination program is being offered at the following places:

* Secondary Schools
* GP surgeries
* Private Clinics

The vaccine is not available by prescription. The Department of Health has classified it as a childhood vaccine, which can only be available through Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). It is the duty of the PCTs to distribute the vaccine to NHS surgeries and schools, where it will be administered.

Do I still need to go for smears?

Yes! It is crucial for every woman to go for regular cervical smears. No vaccine offers 100% protection. Furthermore, although it is hoped the vaccine will prevent the most common form of cervical cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma, it is not yet known whether the vaccine protects against adenocarcinoma (another form of cervical cancer). Pap smears, physical examination and preventative measures (link) remain an absolute essential when it comes to screening and prevention of cervical cancer.

Conclusion

I strongly urge women to get vaccinated against HPV. Why take the risk of not getting the vaccine when it could save your life? If you are not already sexually active, then you are in the ideal position of receiving the benefit of the vaccine. If you are sexually active, you can minimize your risk of contracting HPV by staying in a monogamous relationship. Use condoms if you have multiple partners (though there is still a chance of getting infected through any skin contact which is not protected by a barrier). Finally, never miss a pap smear. Early detection of pre-cancerous cells is crucial to preventing cervical cancer.[source]

Causes of Cervical Cancer and Effective Treatments

By Mary Helen Sutherland

The recent, high profile death of Jade Goody, a star of British reality TV, from cervical cancer, has increased public awareness of this deadly disease.

Cervical cancer takes the lives of approximately 253,500 women, worldwide, each year, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC). This threat has lead to a concerted research effort into the causes of cervical cancer, and effective treatments, during the last few years.

Researchers have found that a virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV) triggers at least 70% of cervical cancers. Following this discovery, they have developed a vaccine that they claim protects girls, between the ages of 11 and 26, from two widespread strains of HPV.

In addition, while not actually considered causes of cervical cancer, there are factors which increase the risk of getting the disease. These risk factors include:

* Long term use of birth control pills: Use of birth control pills for more than 4 years may increase the risk of cervical cancer among women with HPV infection.
* No regular testing: Cervical cancer is more common among women who don't have regular Pap tests.
* HPV infection: An HPV infection that is not completely eliminated may cause cervical cancer in some women. Since these viruses are transmitted through sexual contact, the risk of getting HPV infection increases with the number of sexual partners.
* Smoking: Smoking tobacco increases the risk of cervical cancer among women infected with HPV.
* Weakened immune system: Infection with HIV, or the use of drugs that suppress the immune system, increases the risk of cervical cancer.

Knowing the causes of cervical cancer, and the risk factors, can help prevent women from getting the disease.

However, when a woman has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, she faces a very difficult decision. Which treatment is the most effective? Which treatment should she choose?

Cancer treatment is a very controversial subject, as soon as one ventures outside the sphere of mainstream medical authority into the field of alternative medicine. There are very good reasons for this heated controversy. In its simplest terms, the conflict is between freedom of information and self interest (profit).

Healthcare is a trillion dollar a year industry in the US alone. Cancer treatment accounted for an estimated revenue of $72.1 billion, in 2004, according to the National Cancer Institute. It is naive to hope that such a profitable industry will put the interests of the public ahead of its own self interest.

In fact, according to a recent "60 Minutes" documentary, there are twice as many lobbyists working on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry as there are Congressmen. They are paid to solicit the support of law makers for legislation that protects the interests of the drug manufacturers, and to discredit alternative cancer treatments, in the media.

Alternative treatments and demonstrated cures for cancer have been extensively documented during the past hundred of years. Unfortunately, much of this information has been suppressed, or deliberately discredited, because it poses a threat to those interests that profit from patented treatments.

While it is outside of the scope of this article to discuss specific alternative cancer treatments, here are some general guidelines that will help you discover valid information for your own personal education and research.

First, you must be willing to become your own authority. It is your health, and your life, after all, and you are entitled to make the final decision concerning the treatment you receive.The more information that you have access to, the better your position to make a truly informed choice.

Second, you must be willing to look beyond conventional, mainstream sources, if you truly intend to find the information that is being suppressed.

Third, you must allow the criteria for your choices to include anecdotal evidence because there will never be FDA approved, double blind studies in support of any treatment that cannot be patented, or administered, at substantial profit.

The rote answer to discredit effective alternative treatments of all kinds is, "There is no clinical evidence that proves it works." While this is true, it is also misleading. It does not mean that the treatment does not work. There is no clinical evidence because there has been no clinical testing, and there never will be, because most alternatives cannot be patented. Thus, there is no incentive to pay for clinical tests.

Anecdotal, first person accounts of successful, alternative cancer treatments can offer new choices and directions for you to explore. Substantiated research from more liberal countries can often support these testimonials, and assist in making informed decisions that can lead to successful healing, even of cancer.[source]

HPV - The Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer

By Beverly OMalle

HPV is the abbreviation used for human papilloma virus. HPV causes the disease known as genital warts but it also causes cervical cancer. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world today.

There are many different types of HPV and not all types cause the wart like lesions to appear in the genital area. In fact most people who have this sexually transmitted disease do not have any outwards sign of its presence.

Statistics suggest that up to 50% of sexually active adults will acquire HPV in their lifetime. A robust immune system will most likely be able to take care of the initial HPV infection so you may never even know that you had it. If you were infected with the type of HPV that causes genital warts you may see the wart like lesions around the genital area, including on the shaft of the penis and the anal area. Women with genital warts may not see any lesions at all if they are confined to the vagina.

The strains of HPV that cause genital warts are classed as low risk viruses whereas the strains that cause cervical cancer are classed as a "high risk".

Herbal Medicines for Cervical Cancer

By Robin Brain


Description

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Women between the ages of 30 and 55 have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. Women who have had sexually transmitted disease, and those who have had many pregnancies beginning at a young age, are at greater risk. If you smoke, quit. Cigarette smoking is a suspected risk factor for cervical cancer. Getting an annual pelvic examination and Pap test is the only way to screen for cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect malignant cells before symptoms are present.

Fortunately, cervical cancer is slow to develop. If diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is still confined to the outermost layers of cervical tissue, cervical cancer has a cure rate of almost 100 percent. Even in more advanced cases, when the cancer spreads deeper into the cervical wall, the chances of recovery are good. On the other hand, if the cancer is allowed to spread to other organs, the prognosis is not as good.

Signs and Symptoms

Cervical cancer in its early stages usually does not produce symptoms. Later, the most common symptoms are:

Bleeding from the vagina after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause

Bloody vaginal discharge

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you notice any type of unexplained bleeding or discharge, see your gynecologist immediately, who performs a pelvic examination and Pap smear. If the Pap smear reveals abnormalities, your doctor examines your cervix closely (using a device called a colposcope) and takes a tissue sample to check for malignant cells. If cancer is confirmed, your doctor may take X-rays to determine if the cancer has spread to any of the surrounding organs.

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on what stage it is in. If it is caught early, laser surgery, freezing, or cauterization may be used to remove the malignant cells from the outer layer of tissue. If the cancer has advanced into the cervical wall, radiation may be performed. (See "Conventional Medical Treatment" in the "Bladder Cancer" entry for more information on radiation therapy.) Your doctor also may recommend a hysterectomy, an operation in which the cervix and uterus are removed.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Acupuncture may be used as an adjunct treatment during the early stages of cervical cancer to boost the body's immune system and improve the flow of chi to diseased cells.

Acupressure Acupressure may be useful in alleviating the pain of cervical cancer and the stomach upset caused by conventional treatments.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Garlic has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cell while promoting the production of healthy cells, which may account for this herb's popularity in the prevention and treatment of all types of cancer, including cervical. Ginseng also is known for its immunity-boosting, anti-cancer properties.[source]

Explanation of Stage Four Cervical Cancer

By Hendra Kusuma

The cervix is at the bottom of the uterus, the place where a baby grows during pregnancy. Cervical cancer is caused by some type of virus called human papillomaviruses (HPV). The virus spreads through sexual contact. Most of the female body able to fight HPV infection. But sometimes the virus causes cancer. You are at higher risk if you smoke, have many children, the Pill for a long time, or HIV infection.

Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms at first, but then, you may feel pain in your pelvis or bleeding from the vagina. Usually it took several years for normal cells in the cervix change into cancer cells. Your health care provider can find abnormal cells in Pap test - examining cells from the cervix under a microscope. By doing regular Pap tests and pelvic exams, you will be able to find and treat the cells before they turn into cancer. Vaccine for girls and young women can protect against four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.

Doctors recommend that women reduce the risk of cervical cancer with Pap smears regularly. Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear or cervical smear) is a simple test used to look at cervical cells. Pap tests can find cervical cancer or abnormal cells that can cause cervical cancer. Finding and treating abnormal cells can prevent most cervical cancer. In addition, Pap tests can help find cancer early, when treatment is more effective.

The Stages:

Stages of cancer based on where cancer is found. The following are the stages of invasive cervical cancer:

- Stage I: The tumor has invaded the cervix beneath the upper layer cells. Cancer cells are found only in the cervix.

- Stage II: The tumor extends into the upper vagina. Perhaps beyond the cervix into nearby tissues to the pelvic wall (lining of the body between the hips). The tumor did not attack the lower third of the vagina or pelvic wall.

- Stage III: Tumor extends to the underside of the vagina. May also have invaded the pelvic wall. If the tumors block the flow of urine, one or both kidneys can not work properly.

- Stage IV: Tumor attack the bladder or rectum. Or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

- Recurrent cancer: Cancer has been treated, but had returned after a period of time that can not be detected. Cancer can arise again in the cervix or in other parts of the body.

Women with cervical cancer have many treatment options. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combination of methods. Choice of treatment depends mainly on tumor size and whether the cancer has spread. Treatment options may also depend on whether you plan to become pregnant someday. Your doctor can describe your treatment options, expected results of each treatment, and possible side effects. You and your doctor can work together to develop a plan of your medical care appropriate to individual needs.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or you can ask for referrals. You may want to see gynecologic oncology, a surgeon who specializes in treating women's cancers. Other specialists who treat cervical cancer included gynecologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Your health care team may also include an oncology nurse, and registered dieticians.

Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about the possible side effects and how treatment can change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects may not be the same for everyone, and may be changed at a subsequent treatment sessions. At each stage of the disease, additional treatments are available to reduce the side effects of treatment, to control pain and other symptoms, and help you overcome the feelings that arise due to cancer diagnostics.[source]

Cervical Cancer and Other Types Unique to Women

By Benson Mwangi

There are some types of cancer conditions that can only be found among women. These types of cancers can only affect women as a result of their biological conditioning and make-up. Some cancers affect women and men equally but others are specifically unique in women. The first is breast cancer, which is very common in females but unusual in men. The second is cervical cancer, a development of cancerous effects in the cervix and unique to women because human males don't have a cervix. The cancer affecting the liming of a human organ is medically referred to as carcinoma. Both breast and cervical cancers are carcinoma cases.

Most cervical cases of cancer develop after a woman has been diagnosed with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical and breast cancer is better detected during its early stages of development to avoid severe complications that especially arise if cancerous cells have already spread up to the heart or vagina's surface. Too much delay before treatment allows the cancer cells to spread to the entire body. If they do, then nothing much can really be done to save a patient's life because at this stage the cancer is said to be in the terminal phase.

Cervical and breast cancers cells may spreads to many body organs brewing serious complications such as tumors blocking the urine passage just after the bladder. Cases of the rectum obstruction are also common. When breast and or cervical cancers invade the patient's lymphatic system, severe skin tumors result. Another case of women cancer is metastases which is a type of cervical cancer but which has spread to the lower parts of the female's vagina.

Cervical cancers symptoms include vaginal bleeding, pain and bleeding during and after sexual intercourse among others. Symptoms of breast cancer include abnormal enlargement of breasts, pain, pale skin and hard solid formations in the breast. Women at the medium age of 40-50 years exhibit higher risks of developing cervical cancers. Genital complications increase chances of cervical cancer development, although the popular myth that circumcision causes cervical cancers is not true. Also, a woman with a herpes complex condition is highly predisposed to cancer cervical cases at one point of her lifetime.

Research has also shown that sexual intercourse at a very early age when the sexual organs of a girl are not yet fully developed, can amplify the possibility of developing cervical cancers during her midlife age. Women who are very sexually active with multiple partners have higher risks of cervical cancers development. Excessive smoking by women and even frequent pregnancies and or abortions constitutes other common risk increasing factors of cervical cancerous cases.

Diagnosis of cancer in the breasts or cervix is mainly done through screening tests. Screening tests have actually been adopted all over the world as the precautionary measure in averting breast cancer by enabling early diagnosis. Screening is a strategy that helps detect cancer cells in the body and most doctors recommend that every woman be screened yearly at the very least. The most popular screening test is pap smear, otherwise very accurate although sometimes results may be incorrect especially at the early stages of cancer.[source]

Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

By Eze Ikechukwu

Today, we are going to discuss some of the risk factors of cervical cancer. They are many that it will not be possible for us to exhaust all of them, but let us see how far we can go today.

1) HUMAN PAPILLUM VIRUS INFECTION (HPV): This is the most important of all the risk factors associated to the cancer of the cervix. Doctors believe that before a woman can develop cervical cancer, she must have been infected by HPV. Some types of this HPV are classified as "high risk" because they are the main causes of cervical cancer. These types include HPV 6, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 35, and HPV 45 and many other. About two-thirds of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV 16-18.

2) SMOKING: Women who smoke are more likely to get cervical cancer than women who don't smoke. Smoking exposes the body to many cancer-causing chemicals that affects not only the lungs, but other parts of the body. The lungs will first of all, absorb these harmful substances, and later transfer it into the blood stream throughout the body. The by-products of tobacco have been found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke. These substances damage the DNA of the cervix cells and may equally lead to the development of cervical cancer.

3) IMMUNOSUPPRESSION: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus damages the immune system of the body completely and makes women to be more at risk for HPV infection. This is one of the causes of increased risk of cervical cancer in women with AIDS. The immune system is very important in destroying cancer cells, and slowing down their growth and spread. A cervical pre-cancer is likely to develop into an invasive cancer faster in women with HIV.

4) CHLAMYDIA INFECTION: This is a very common bacterium that can infect the reproductive system. The spread is mainly through sexual contact. Women whose blood tests show past or present Chlamydia infection are at a higher risk of cervical cancer, as against women with normal test results. This type of infection often shows no symptoms in women. Unless a woman goes for the examination of her pelvic region, she may not know that she is infected of Chlamydia. When this stays long in the body, it leads to pelvic inflammation, which also leads to infertility.

5) DIETS: Diets low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Also, overweight can equally lead to cervical cancer.

6) BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: The usage of birth control pills for a long time increases the risk of cervical cancer in women. The longer these pills are used, the risk goes up, and goes down after it is stopped.

7) MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES: Women with many full time pregnancies have an increased risk of the cancer of the cervix. This may be because some of these women may have been exposed to unprotected sexual acts which have therefore exposed them to HPV infection. This is because the immune system of the pregnant woman is weak, which allows for HPV infection/ cancer growth.

8) LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS: Many women with low income don't have access to adequate health care services, including pap tests, and the implication of this is that they will not be screened or treated for pre-cancerous cervical diseases.

9) FAMILY HISTORY: Cervical cancer runs in some families. If your mother or sister has cervical cancer, your risk of developing this disease is higher. Women from the same family as a patient already diagnosed of cervical cancer may be more likely to have one or more of the other non-genetic risk factors previously described in this section.[source]

I will love to hear what are your own views or opinions on this post.

What You Should Know About Cervical Cancer

By Dick Aronson

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related death for women in developing countries.The condition usually affects women of middle age or older, but it may be diagnosed in any reproductive-aged woman. Cervical tumors are classified as either preinvasive where the lower third of the epithelium contains abnormal cells, or invasive in which the full thickness of the epithelium contains abnormally proliferating cells.

Cervical cancer develops in the lining of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that enters the vagina. These cancers don't always spread, but those that do most often spread to the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina, and/or the rectum.

Cause

Cervical cancer almost always develops from cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is spread through genital skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. It also seems more prevalent in women who smoke. Sexual activity that increases the risk for infection with HPV and HIV and for cervical cancer includes the following: Having multiple sexual partners or having sex with a promiscuous partner, a history of sexually transmitted disease, sexual intercourse at a young age.

Signs and Symptoms

The early stages may be completely asymptomatic. Symptoms of advanced cancer may include: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, a single swollen leg, heavy bleeding from the vagina, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina and bone fractures.

Diagnosis

The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test has been used to screen for pre-cancerous lesions in asymptomatic women for the past 50 years. While the pap smear is an effective screening test, confirmation of the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer requires a biopsy of the cervix. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the precursor to cervical cancer, is often diagnosed on examination of cervical biopsies by a pathologist.

Other Risk Factors

Women with diets low in fruits and vegetables may be at increased risk. Research suggests that the risk of cervical cancer goes up the longer a woman takes oral contraceptives, but the risk goes back down again after the OCs are stopped. Women who have had many full term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Prevention

Cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent, because there is a vaccine and a screening test available. The vaccine known as Gardasil offers protection from the most dangerous types of HPV and recently published results indicate that new cervical tumors may eventually be reduced by as much as 97% in those areas where vaccination is introduced and maintained.

Treatment

Treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the tumor, the age and general health of the woman, and her desire to have children in the future. Appropriate treatment also depends on accurate clinical staging. Preinvasive stages may be treated total excisional biopsy, cryosurgery or laser destruction. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma therapy may include hysterectomy and radiation therapy.

Internal radiation therapy uses a device filled with radioactive material, which is placed inside the woman's vagina next to the cervical cancer. Some of the drugs used for chemotherapy for cervical cancer include 5-FU, Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Ifosfamide, Paclitaxel, and Cyclophosphamide.

Thirty-five percent of patients with invasive cervical cancer have persistent or recurrent disease after treatment. Recurrent cervical cancer detected at its earliest stages might be successfully treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three. Interestingly a number of patients have reported considerable benefit from using Lifewave acupuncture patches for pain relief and general health.

Survival

The chance of being alive in 5 years for cancer that has spread to the inside of the cervix walls but not outside the cervix area is 92%. However, the 5-year survival rate falls steadily as the cancer spreads into other areas. Recently, the combined use of cisplatin and topotecan was shown to significantly improve survival compared with single-agent cisplatin. If you combine all the stages together, the five-year survival rate is about 73%.

As the cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body, prognosis drops dramatically because treatment of local lesions is generally more effective than whole body treatments such as chemotherapy.[source]