Cervical Cancer as a Threat to Women's Health

Although cancer of the cervix is still a concern for women generally, it is one area of success in modern medicine in the US. Instanc es of cervical cancer have been in decline since the 1970's, primarily due to the introduction of the Papanikolaou test. This test, also known as the PAP smear or cervical smear, in the UK sometimes just smear. However, there are still about 4000 women a year dying from cervical cancer in the US, while about 10000 are likely to suffer from cancer of the cervix.

Detecting cervical cancer early increases the chances of survival considerably, so regular screening with a PAP smear is an essential for women over 21, and girls below that age who have started sexual intercourse. Practices vary between countries, so it is best to discuss this with your doctor once sexually active so that they can make recommendations in accordance with local practice.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The main single cause of cervical cancer that has been isolated is through human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This is a relatively common sexually transmitted disease, but being infected with an HPV infection does not necessarily mean it will lead to cervical cancer.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

To reduce your chances of getting cancer of the cervix, reducing the risk of catching an HPV infection is the best way. Such infections usually come from having multiple sexual partners, or one partner who has many many sexual partners themselves. Careful choice of those with whom you have sexual intercourse is therefore the best preventative measure,

Whatever your situation with partners, though, a regular PAP smear is your defense against cervical cancer progressing past the arly stages.

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