Invasive cervical cancer not only affects deeper cervix tissues but also parts body parts as well like the vagina, rectum, bladder, lungs and liver. But cervical cancer grows very slowly and as it progresses via precancerous changes, this provides an opportunity for prevention and treatment when detected early. The introduction of better means for cervical cancer preventions has considerably reduced decline of such cases over the decades. Women in their early 20s and 30s are the most diagnosed with cervical cancer. When diagnosed early, adequate steps needs to be taken as a way of ensuring that it does not progress to stages that are more dangerous. In the search of the best diagnosis and prognosis, the care givers also need to learn some bls for healthcare providers as they may need to give support to patients who are at advanced stages of cervical cancer.

What causes cervical cancer?

When the cervical tissues undergoes through abnormal changes, this marks the start of cervical cancer. HPV infection is associated with the risk of development of such abnormal changes. Other factors that can increase the risk of getting cervical cancer are early sexual contact as having multiple sexual partners as well as increased use of oral contraceptives for birth control. All these leads to an increased exposure to HPV and HPV growth rate is further increased by cigarette smoking. Different types of HPV virus are responsible for causing different kinds of abnormal skin disorders like genital warts and skin warts.

Being diagnosed with HPV increases the likelihood of a woman being diagnosed with cervical cancer. The risk is also much higher among girls who start engaging in sexual activities when they are aged below 16 years or soon after they start menstruating. Another factor that increases the risk of getting cervical cancer is cigarette smoking. Chemicals found in cigarettes greatly interact with cervix cells and precancerous changes that follow progress to cancer over time. Using oral contraceptives for more than five years can increase the risk for cervical cancer as well.

Cervical cancer symptoms

Just like other types of cancer, symptoms of cervical cancer might not be visible until the disease progresses into a dangerous stage. Such many include feeling pain, having abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding besides menstruation, pelvic pain and kidney failure due to bowel or urinary tract obstruction during advanced stages of the cancer. Early diagnosis of cervical cancer contributes greatly towards successful treatment.

Seeking medical care

Vaginal bleeding is caused by a wide range of different conditions, some of which might even not have any relation to cervical cancer. Such conditions usually vary depending on your medical history, fertility and age. Seeking medical care when you suspect something abnormal in your cervix is crucial. Frequent bleeding and heavy bleeding during menstruation periods warrants a medical check and so is bleeding after menopause, as this is never normal. If you bleed after engaging in vigorous sex intercourse, make a point of letting your doctor know about. They will conduct various tests and exams to ascertain whether you have cervical cancer or not.

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