Cervical Cancer… Early Detection, Early Treatment
Did you know… every year, up to 55% of women die from cervical cancer? In fact, “cervical cancer” can be prevented. What causes this deadly disease? What are its symptoms? And what factors increase your risk of cervical cancer? For all your questions… we have the answers!!!
Main Goal of Patient Care (Principle)
“Improving the quality of life of patients according to their wishes” is the main goal of palliative care at Phyathai 1 Hospital. The focus is on relieving pain and reducing suffering, whether physical or psychological… providing care that covers both the patient and their family.
The Beginning of the Disease
The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which has more than 200 strains. These strains are categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups for cancer development. HPV can be transmitted through contact.
Behaviors That Increase Risk
- Starting sexual activity at a young age. Those who have sex before the age of 18 have a higher risk of cervical cancer.
- Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk twice compared to having only one partner. Having more than 6 partners raises the risk up to three times.
- Having sexual partners who are high-risk, such as partners with multiple partners or those with a history of HPV infection.
- Having a history of sexually transmitted infections.
- Having a history of cancer or abnormal epithelial cells in the vagina or external reproductive organs.
- Having a weakened immune system.
- Having the first child before the age of 20 and having multiple children.
- Using contraceptive pills for a long time. Studies show that the risk of cervical cancer increases with the duration of contraceptive pill use.
- Smoking.
How to Recognize Symptoms
In the early stages, cervical cancer often shows no symptoms. Annual cervical cancer risk screening is therefore important. If abnormalities are detected, treatment can be started promptly. In some cases, patients may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as spotting, bloody discharge, bleeding after intercourse, or in some cases, the cancer may spread to other organs causing symptoms like lower abdominal pain, back pain radiating to the tailbone or thighs, blood in stool or urine, difficulty breathing, or unusual shortness of breath.
If Detected… Immediate Treatment is Necessary
Treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease, which is divided into 4 stages based on tumor size and spread. Early stages may be treated by removing the cervix or performing a radical hysterectomy along with pelvic lymph node dissection. Advanced stages may require radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy injections, among other treatments.
Although cervical cancer is serious and can be fatal, if women adjust their behaviors to reduce risk factors and regularly undergo cervical cancer screening, this deadly disease cannot destroy your life!!
