Symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer are rarely seen, and may even cause no symptoms at all until the cancer cells spread to the surrounding tissue. Because it is recommended to do a Pap smear to detect cervical cancer and can be continued with precancerous treatment.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in cervical cells located in the part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina. Human papillomavirus or HPV is the cause of most cases of cervical cancer, which is one sexually transmitted disease that is highly transmitted through sexual contact and / or direct skin contact to the skin in the genital area.
Symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer generally do not show any signs. Symptoms will be seen when the cancer has spread in the surrounding tissue. Symptoms that can appear include:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical cancer. Bleeding can occur between menstrual periods or after sex. This bleeding can also occur in women who are menopausal, and this condition is a sign of cervical cancer or other serious conditions.
- In addition to vaginal bleeding, watery and bloody vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of cervical cancer. In addition, vaginal discharge can also have a foul odor, clear or brownish in color.
- Pelvic pain or during intercourse.
Most people who are infected with HPV do not experience any symptoms. But, there are several types of HPV viruses that can cause symptoms that look like genital warts or cancer.
After these initial symptoms appear, it will usually be followed by other more severe symptoms such as: pelvic pain, difficulty urinating or defecating, weight loss, body feeling weak, to the swelling of one or both legs. Usually more severe symptoms of cervical cancer appear in advanced stage cervical cancer.
There is no way to prevent cervical cancer completely, but the following ways you can do to reduce the risk of having cervical cancer:
Cervical screening or pap smears
Pap smears are the best way to identify changes in early cervical cells. Symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer can be detected by seeing whether there are abnormal cells in the cervix or cervix. By detecting and removing abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer. Pap smears are recommended for women aged 25-49 years every 3 years. Whereas for women aged 50-64 once a year. Women over 65 years old are required to have a pap smear if they have not done this procedure since 50 years old.
In addition to pap smear examination, HPV examination or so-called HPV DNA Test is also recommended to find out whether there is an HPV virus that can cause cancer of the cervix. This examination is recommended to be performed on women aged 30 years and over.
Having safe sex
Most cervical cancers are related to infections from the human papilloma virus (HPV) which can spread through unsafe sex. For example, changing partners and doing sexual activity at an early age. The use of condoms can reduce the risk of spreading this virus infection. HPV can also be transmitted through penetrative sex such as skin-to-skin contact in the genital area or using sex aids interchangeably.
Vaccination of cervical cancer
Although the HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of cervical cancer, it does not guarantee you will not experience cervical cancer. You are still advised to undergo a pap smear to detect cervical cancer. This vaccine is recommended to be given to women aged 12-13 years and repeated every 6 months for 3 times the administration.
Avoid cigarettes
Smoking can cause you to not be able to fight HPV infection which is likely to turn into cancer from the body. Know and learn ways to stop smoking and consult your doctor.
Do not wait until the symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer appear, do a pap smear immediately if you feel you are at risk of being infected with the HPV virus. If other symptoms appear related to the health of your uterus, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
