Many women who are approaching their 30s may be worried about whether they are at risk of a serious disease like “cervical cancer”… because did you know that this disease is caused by our own behavior? So who is at risk? Today, we spoke with Dr. Thanomsiri Satitthit, a gynecologic oncologist at Phyathai 2 Hospital to find the answer to that question.
What causes cervical cancer…?
Dr. Thanomsiri said that “Abnormal division or growth of cervical cells can lead to malignant cells in the cervix, or “cervical cancer”, which can also spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, invading nearby organs.”
These 7 groups of women… are at risk
- Women who have sexual intercourse at a young age, which is a period sensitive to HPV infection
- Women who have sexual intercourse with men who have multiple partners, increasing the risk of HPV infection
- Women who have sexual intercourse with men whose wives or partners have cervical cancer
- Women who have sexual intercourse with multiple men, increasing the chance of HPV infection
- Women or men whose partners have sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, warts, etc.
- Women with diseases that lower immunity, such as AIDS (HIV)
- Smoking, which reduces the body’s immunity and makes it easier to get HPV infection
What are the “warning signs” of cervical cancer?
According to information from the Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital, most women decide to see a doctor because of abnormal vaginal bleeding. Therefore, women should watch for these important warning symptoms:
Bleeding during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
- Discharge mixed with blood from the vagina
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Gynecologic Oncology Specialist
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
